Goa to fine public drinking, littering with ₹5K–₹50K; Govt may ban glass bottles on beaches

Goa Khabar : The Goa government will be coming down heavily on public drinking and littering at public places and tourist spots, with fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000. This was announced by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaaunte while replying to rising concerns over injuries caused by broken glass and plastic waste, especially on beaches.

*Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said public drinking is now officially classified as a public nuisance. “We have seen tourists getting injured because of broken bottles and plastic waste. There has to be discipline. Drinking in public and breaking bottles cannot be tolerated,” he said.

He was replying to starred questioned raised in the assembly on Thursday.

Khaunte also confirmed the introduction of a glass bottle deposit scheme which is already notified and will be implemented after detailed discussion with Chief Minister. Sellers will be required to collect a deposit when selling drinks in glass bottles.

The government has introduced strict penalties under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2001 and the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, to discourage nuisance behavior and environmental damage. Drinking in public areas and discarding bottles are now banned at designated tourist spots as well as public places.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant responded, acknowledging the issue.* “The maximum business in Goa is from wine and bar outlets, but I will examine the possibility of banning the sale of liquor in glass bottles within 50 meters along the coastal belt,” he said. “After examining, we will issue directives to wine stores in those areas,” he added.

To improve cleanliness along Goa’s coastline, the government has launched a new beach cleaning contract. It covers 50 beaches and 102 dead ends, spanning 82.2 km of shoreline. Since March 1, a 525-strong workforce has been cleaning beaches in rotating shifts.

*“We want to ensure our beaches are clean and safe for everyone. We are also open to involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in this contract. Any SHG that’s interested will be given a section of the beach to manage within the tender scope,” said Khaunte.*

The Tourism Department also plans to install clear signs outlining the Do’s and Don’ts for tourists before the start of the upcoming season in two languages – English and Hindi.

*“This is to protecting our environment and our visitors. If tourists feel safe, they’ll come back. That’s the goal,” Khaunte said*

The new regulations aim to preserve Goa’s natural beauty while promoting responsible tourism. The bill in this concern will come up in the assembly soon.