The Goa Police have stepped up preparations forward of the New Yr’s Eve festivities “to ensure every tourist leaves the state with fond memories and free from the nuisance of illegal activities,” mentioned a senior officer, including that 25 touts and unlawful brokers who promote doubtful providers and venues had been arrested within the state throughout a particular drive by police on Monday.
1000’s of vacationers are anticipated to flock to Goa for New Yr’s Eve festivities. (PTI)
1000’s of vacationers are anticipated to flock to the state for New Yr’s Eve festivities that embrace performances by Bollywood singers and stars together with Urvashi Rautela, Manaara Chopra and others. Outdated Goa hosted a Shillong Chamber choir efficiency forward of the New Yr, and it’ll host a particular gentle and sound projection on the similar venue within the days main as much as the New Yr. The festivities are, nonetheless, marred by enormous site visitors jams, drunken revelry and fights.
“The Calangute Police Station with the assistance of the Tourist Police Unit have undertaken a drive to curb the menace of touts and illegal agents. We’re committed to maintaining law and order, making Calangute a safe and enjoyable destination for the tourists visiting Goa,” North Goa superintendent of police (SP) Akshat Kaushal mentioned.
Over the previous 4 days, the police have seized narcotics value ₹14 lakh in 4 separate incidents. On Sunday, they arrested a person recognized as Majoj Kukar who impersonated an IAS officer from Odisha and started threatening shack homeowners from Goa to close down their operations accusing them of violatingn guidelines.
“The said Manoj Kumar on 26.12.2024 at around 01.20hrs visited Calangute and showed his ID Card of being IAS Officer and asked the staff to accompany him so that he can do inspection in Calangute area. Staff accompanied him, believing him to be an IAS officer and they went to Baga beach where he visited two shacks and threatened them to stop the shack business. Further he visited prominent clubs in Baga Tito’s Lane and asked them to close the clubs saying that otherwise he would put them in trouble,” mentioned an officer.
On Sunday, two vacationers died — one in a water sports activities accident and one other one after falling unconscious whereas partying at an Digital Dance Music Competition.
The state’s resort trade has claimed that they’ve missed out on bulk last-minute bookings throughout this season.
“The season has been a bit of a dampener as compared to other years. It’s not exactly low occupancy, but those who have been hoping to get a higher rate have been left disappointed,” Journey and Tourism Affiliation of Goa president Jack Sukhija mentioned.
“Air fares, however, continue to remain high. There could be several factors including the fact that there is a lot more accommodation available including villas, etc,” he added.