Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte voiced deep concern over two recent safety breaches — a parasailing mishap at Varca and a cruise boat incident near Aguada Bay — warning that the government will take strict action to ensure accountability and reinforce safety in the tourism sector.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte said he had directed the Tourism Department to issue show-cause notices in both cases. “The Varca incident is extremely worrying. We had already met with water sports operators to discuss safety norms, and yet such an incident occurred. Safety protocols must be non-negotiable, especially when tourists are involved,” he said.
The minister revealed that the boat towing the parachute at Varca was reportedly operating without the required permissions. He added that once the show-cause notice is served, the department will obtain full details and take appropriate disciplinary action.
Khaunte dismissed the operator’s defence that the incident occurred during a “demonstration.” “Even if it was a demo, it should have been conducted on themselves, not tourists. The tourism experience matters, but never at the cost of safety,” he asserted.
A viral video of the incident showed a parasail parachute tangled in a coconut tree near a beach shack. Following the clip’s circulation, the Tourist Police launched an inquiry to verify the circumstances and safety compliance of the operators. Police Inspector Jatin Desai said preliminary findings suggest the chute got entangled during a trial run.
Commenting on the Aguada Bay cruise boat that recently ran aground near Candolim, Khaunte said a similar show-cause notice has been ordered in that case as well. “Tourist safety must be prioritised; otherwise, it reflects poorly on Goa’s image. Our traditional Goan operators are ambassadors of the state’s tourism, and such lapses cannot be tolerated,” he warned.
The minister reiterated that the government supports genuine tourism operators but will not hesitate to act against those flouting safety rules. “We will ensure that action is taken to set a precedent. Responsible tourism and responsible tourists go hand in hand. We are helping operators build their businesses, but any irregularities will invite strict enforcement,” Khaunte said.
