Goa's Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized the need for tourists and locals to be cautious when visiting risky areas in the state. He is concerned about people going to dangerous places after seeing social media posts without understanding the risks.
source: istock
Influence of Social Media
Khaunte mentioned that many people are inspired by Instagram influencers to do risky activities like swimming in abandoned quarries. These adventures can be fatal because people are unaware of the dangers.
Upcoming Safety Circular
To address this, the tourism department will issue a circular to raise awareness among tourists and locals. This circular will educate people on the importance of checking safety before exploring dangerous spots.
Persistent Drowning Incidents
Despite warnings from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to avoid deep waters, drowning incidents continue in Goa. To combat this, district collectors in North and South Goa have banned swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, and rivers during the monsoon season. This ban will stay in place until further notice.
source: istock
Legal Implications
The circulars from district administrations highlight the dangers of swimming in these areas. They also point out the legal consequences of ignoring these warnings, referring to Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with disobedience that endangers human life, health, or safety.
Ensuring Safety
The efforts by the Tourism Minister and district authorities aim to reduce risks associated with unsafe activities in Goa's natural areas. By promoting safety awareness and compliance, they hope to protect both residents and visitors, making tourism in Goa safer and more enjoyable.
