Authorities in the Indian state of Goa plan to fine tourists for swimming after sunset and drinking alcohol on beaches to reduce the number of crimes, local media reports, according to Votpusk.ru.
On the eve of the opening of the high tourist season Goa's Department of Tourism is working to ban swimming on the state's beaches after sunset and before sunrise, and other restrictions for tourists are also being discussed. The decision to implement these measures was made following a meeting between department representatives and Goa's Minister of Tourism, where they discussed the rising number of criminal incidents involving foreigners, including rapes.
"The Tourism Department is discussing introducing night patrols on beaches to prevent untoward incidents that affect Goa's image as a tourist destination," Minister Manohar Ajaonkar said.
According to him, information boards with rules of conduct on the water will be placed at the beaches. Tourists will be fined for violating these rules. Furthermore, the Department of Tourism will hire a private lifeguard agency to maintain order on the beaches, including at night.
The department also plans to introduce fines for tourists who consume alcohol and use motor vehicles on beaches.
Goa authorities introduced a ban on drinking alcohol in public places in October 2017.
Goa is the most popular region of India among Russian tourists, accounting for almost 851,000 of all Russians visiting the country. The state receives an average of 3 million foreign tourists annually. Last winter, Russian tour operators estimate, interest in the destination increased by 50%.
Source: trn-news.ru