Goa to restrict boozing on beaches

Assuring tourists of the safety, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Friday that signboards urging tourists not to drink on beaches would soon be put up.

The decision comes two days after a 29-year-old Chinese woman was molested at Calangute beach, 20 km from here.

Parrikar was responding to a zero hour notice by Calangute legislator Michael Lobo, who said that the molestation of the Chinese tourist could give an impression that the state was unsafe for women travellers.

The chief minister said that several steps were being taken to ensure the safety of women tourists.

"The signs will go up... The patrolling will be improved. The foreign tourists and local tourists should not be worried," Parrikar said.

Four drunken men had molested a Chinese tourist and assaulted her boyfriend Tuesday night, while they were strolling on the beach.

The beach stretch of Calangute and adjoining areas is one of the most popular tourism destinations with nightclubs, discos and other entertainment spaces dotting the landscape in and around the north Goa village.

Parrikar further said an additional bunch of police officials would also be posted at Calangute beach to deter such incidents.

"I will also ensure that in Calangute and Candolim beach areas will be lit up well," he added.