Now, deputy tourism directors can act against beach violations

Panaji: The tourism dept has significantly expanded the powers of its deputy directors, authorising them to issue notices, conduct hearings and impose fines on unregistered tourism operators. In an order that takes immediate effect, tourism director Kedar Naik has delegated sweeping regulatory and enforcement powers to the deputy directors of the North Goa and South Goa zones.

Deputy directors are now empowered to issue show cause notices and impose penalties on individuals or establishments operating tourist trade activities without valid registration, or in violation of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act. They may also conduct hearings in matters relating to the proposed cancellation of existing registrations and issue orders accordingly, Naik said in the order.

The deputy directors will serve as the overall in-charge for scrutinising applications, verifying documents and inspecting tourism activities such as travel agents and agencies, private shacks and huts, water sports, adventure sports and aero sports.

The order also places enforcement teams under the responsibility of the two deputy directors. They will be responsible for maintaining order at beaches and other tourist destinations across the state, including the prevention and control of activities declared as nuisances under that legislation.

A separate committee for the categorisation and rate fixation of hotels under A, B, C and D classifications, constituted under a 2013 notification, continues to remain in force and is unaffected by this order, said Naik.