Tourist security force inadequate, can’t monitor cars on beaches, says Khaunte

Panaji: Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said that the tourism security force is unable to stop vehicles from venturing onto beaches as these security personnel are small in number.
“We need more tourist security to post in coastal areas. An action has been initiated against the owner of the vehicle who drove the vehicle on the beach,” Khaunte told reporters.
A four-wheeler was spotted on the Morjim beach on Sunday.
He said that his ministry was working in that direction as part of the integrated beach management policy and that the matter is being discussed with the police department to curb illegalities on beaches.
His ministry, Khaunte said, will hold a meeting with chief minister Pramod Sawant, DGP Jaspal Singh and other senior police officials in this respect.
“Illegalities on beaches, whether by hawkers, vendors or touts, have to be stopped. I have also proposed a certification course for guides to see that certified guides are available in adequate numbers,” the minister said.
Action will be initiated against touts and those operating illegally as guides, he said.
On Monday, Khaunte held a discussion with coastal MLAs and sought their inputs on improving services in the coastal belt. His ministry, he said, will execute their suggestions.
Technical staff of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) have been directed to visit beaches to examine complaints and take action.
“There are some complaints pertaining to toilet blocks and surveillance cameras. We want to have everything in order before the tourism season takes off,” Khaunte said.