Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In one of the most comprehensive regulatory measures aimed at protecting Goa’s tourism ecosystem, the Department of Tourism has notified a list of 19 activities that will now be treated as “nuisance” at tourist places across the state. The order, issued by Director of Tourism and Competent Authority Kedar A. Naik under the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, empowers authorities to take immediate action against individuals, businesses and organisations found violating the new norms.
The order, dated July 21, 2026, has been published in the Official Gazette dated July 30, 2026, and comes into force with immediate effect.
Invoking powers under Sections 4 and 5 of the Act, the Tourism Department has prohibited activities that are likely to damage Goa’s tourism potential, inconvenience visitors, create safety hazards or degrade the environment at notified tourist destinations.
Among the most significant prohibitions is the operation of vessels, boats, rafts or other floating objects in a manner that results in oil spills or poses danger to life, property or the environment.s The order also seeks to curb aggressive behaviour towards tourists by banning coercion, pestering or forcing visitors to purchase goods or services.
The government has also prohibited the consumption of liquor in places where drinking is not permitted, breaking glass bottles, cooking in open spaces outside designated areas, and littering, including the dumping of empty bottles and waste material.
In a major move to regulate tourism-related businesses, the notification bans unauthorized boating and water sports activities, the sale of cruise and water sports tickets from unapproved locations, and unauthorized hawking at tourist places. The order also prohibits unauthorized placement of deck beds, tables and other commercial items on beaches without valid permissions.
Authorities have further outlawed unauthorizeds occupation of government beach land, driving unauthorized vehicles on beaches, organizing unauthorized beach parties or commercial events, and obstructing access for tourists or emergency service vehicles such as lifeguards, beach cleaning machinery and ambulances.
The notification also targets activities affecting cleanliness and public hygiene. Public urination, public defecation and the discharge of sewage, chemicals, oil or other pollutants onto government beach land have been declared prohibited activities.
The order additionally bans begging in tourist areas if it causes annoyance or inconvenience, unauthorized massage services and solicitation by masseurs, hawkers or vagabonds, as well as any other activity prohibited under the Act or rules framed under it.
To ensure strict implementation, the Tourism Department has directed all police officers and police station in-charges across Goa to assist the Competent Authority in enforcing the provisions of the order under Section 13 of the Act.
The notification provides for stringent penalties. Any person, company, association or firm found violating the order or obstructing officials in carrying out its implementation can be fined between ₹5,000 and ₹1 lakh. In addition, violators may also face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which deals with disobedience of lawful orders issued by public servants.
The latest order supersedes an earlier notification issued by the Tourism Department and reflects the government’s renewed focus on preserving Goa’s image as a clean, safe and tourist-friendly destination. Officials believe the stricter framework will help tackle persistent complaints relating to illegal commercial activities, environmental degradation, harassment of tourists and unauthorized operations at popular tourist locations.
The order is expected to have a significant impact on tourism management and enforcement across beaches, heritage sites and other notified tourist destinations throughout Goa.
