Goa cops crack down on beach violations

Panaji: Goa police took action against over 1,000 people in 2025 for illegal activities on the coastal belt. These include drinking, littering, driving, and touting on beaches.

North Goa and Tourist police SP Akshat Kaushal said, “Tourist police acted against 1,000 persons in Goa in 2025, including 193 for drinking on beaches, 545 for littering, 265 under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, and 14 for driving on beaches.”

“Our stand on touts is clear. We will not tolerate touting. Whenever we get information about touts, we arrest and produce them before the tourism department. Sometimes we arrest repeat offenders,” said Kaushal.

He said Calangute, Mandrem, and Anjuna police, along with tourist police, regularly act against touts and unethical or illegal activities.

“We are working very closely with the shack owners. Every quarter, meetings are held and police officers visit them regularly. Many shacks have put up boards wherein anyone in distress can contact the police, leading to better coordination between businesses and police and a safer environment.” Kaushal further said.

Kaushal highlighted that some gaps remain, and the police will work constantly to improve the tourist environment.

Police fine beggars Rs 50, but many cannot pay and are released due to the lack of rehabilitation centres. Hawkers are fined Rs 200, while touts face a Rs 5,000 penalty.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant recently said that tourists will not be allowed to bring cooking cylinders and stoves. Goa police will seize them at the state borders after demands from MLAs and tourism stakeholders.