Tourists bringing gas cylinders, stoves to Goa to face strict action: Goa CM

“If tourists are found cooking by the roadside, their gas stoves and cylinders will be seized and their vehicle will be challaned,” Sawant said, adding that tourists must rent a space if they want to cook. “Tourists unnecessarily cook and eat at the beach and along the roadsides and make the place dirty and leave. Tourists are advised to be alert not to come to Goa with gas stoves and cylinders. If they are found cooking and eating in the open, they will be prosecuted and the buses or vehicles will be impounded.”

To curb harassment of locals and tourists, Sawant said that only police inspectors equipped with body cameras would be authorized to issue challans for traffic-related violations.

“From today onwards, only officials of the rank of a police inspector, with a body camera installed on their uniform, will issue challans for traffic violations during the daytime. At night, either an official of the rank of an inspector or a sub inspector will be authorised to issue challans for traffic violations. The challans will be sent directly to the registered addresses of violators,” he said.

Sawant said a police officer holding the rank of a constable, a head constable or an assistant sub-inspector will not be eligible to issue any challans.

“If any police personnel of those ranks are found issuing a traffic challan, citizens can click their photo and send it to the police department. The concerned official will be suspended…This will stop harassment of locals and tourists. It will also eliminate allegations of bribery against police officers,” he said.

Police, he said, will identify traffic violations through several methods, including dash cams, digital cameras installed on the roadsides, and other gadgets with artificial intelligence.

Those found roaming on the beaches on the pretext of offering massages, begging and touting would be arrested and put behind bars, he said.

During the meeting, discussions focused on key issues such as the implementation of the new criminal laws, strengthening forensic vans, enhancing video conferencing facilities for the police, recruitment in forensic investigations, police training, issuance of e-summons and conviction rates, he said.