Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Mopa Airport Police, on Thursday took action against three individuals for allegedly carrying out unauthorised tourist-related services at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in violation of the Goa Tourist Trade Act, 1982.
The individuals have been identified as Shounak Suresh Arondekar (Nagzar Warkhand, Pernem), Khorajiya Sharifbhai Khorajiya (Navelim, Salcete), and Sandesh Suresh Shetye (Ozari, Pernem). They were reportedly involved in illegal activities that caused inconvenience to tourists and hindered the smooth flow of passenger traffic at the airport.
All three have been produced before the Department of Tourism for further action under Section 2(g) read with Section 26 of the Act, officials said.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said the government is committed to protecting the interests of tourists and ensuring services are provided only by authorised operators.
“We remain committed to ensuring that tourists arriving in Goa are welcomed by verified, responsible service providers. Any attempt to disrupt this ecosystem will be dealt with firmly,” he said in a statement.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik added that the Department is strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards.
“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to crack down on unregistered operators,” he said.
The Department has appealed to tourists to remain vigilant and opt for services from registered providers to support safe and regulated tourism in the state.
