Mid-Day Opinion: Safety of tourists should be at top of the list

File pic

Despite warnings, a commuter risked his life hopping between two stationary trains at Wadala station, according to the caption on our Daily Dossier page. The page, which features news and views in a snippet format, has one big picture of the day.

The Goa assembly has passed an amendment bill making it mandatory for shacks operating on private land within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) to register with the state tourism department, news agency ANI reported.

Rightly, the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Bill 2026, seeks to bring such unregistered shacks under a regulatory framework and ensure compliance with prescribed safety and other requirements. Tourism Minister R A Khaunte moved the bill in the Assembly on the last day of the monsoon session recently.

Beach shacks are a defining feature in the land of sun, sand, surf and susegad. They should all be registered. We see that some shacks are registered, but many spring up wantonly, they are unregulated and in many cases, they are also unsafe. Some are just huts or shanties masquerading as beach shacks.

We have heard about so much irregularity in Goa when it comes to the tourism scene, whether it be in transport, food outlets, accommodation facilities and more. This tourist magnet must have a ‘clean' rule abiding eco system.

Tourists and locals too of course, but here the focus is on tourism must be safe in Goa and the country. The system must be designed in this way. Welcoming tourists is not just about scenic getaways, great food, relaxation vibes, beaches, mountains and picture post card views.