Tourism Department initiates Police action against Riva Beach resort for repeated violations
Panaji, December 5, 2025 : The Department of Tourism has formally requested the Mandrem Police to initiate action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 against the management of Riva Beach Resort, Mandrem, Pernem. This follows repeated violations of the Goa Tourist Places (Protection & Maintenance) Act, 2001, wherein the resort erected an illegal stage on Government land (public beach area) for a Beach Wedding without obtaining requisite permission from the Department.
Despite repeated warnings issued on site by Tourist Wardens and Tourist Police, and the issuance of multiple Show Cause Notices, the resort continued the illegal activity and subsequently failed to appear for personal hearings scheduled by the Department.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, stated, “Goa’s public spaces must be protected and respected. Any misuse of these areas for unauthorised commercial activities undermines the principles of responsible tourism. The Department will continue to take decisive action to ensure compliance and maintain order across all tourist locations.”
Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar A. Naik, noted, “The Department has taken the necessary steps as per procedure to ensure that regulations are properly followed. We remain committed to maintaining orderly and responsible use of public spaces.”
The Department has urged all tourism stakeholders to operate strictly within the legal framework and to seek necessary permissions for any activities conducted on public land. Maintaining discipline and accountability across tourism operations remains a priority, and the Department will continue to work closely with enforcement agencies to ensure that Goa’s tourism spaces remain safe, orderly, and responsibly managed.
