'Crimes against foreign women not affecting tourist inflow in

The number of tourists from abroad visiting Goa has not come down due to murders and other crimes against foreign women, the Goa government told the Legislative Assembly today while listing various measures it has adopted to ensure safety of the revellers.

Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has tabled a question in the Assembly in this regard seeking the government's reply.

Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar stated in a written reply that no such reduction is seen in the arrival of foreign tourists in the coastal state, known mainly for beach tourism.

Responding to a question on steps taken by the BJP-led state government towards the safety of foreign nationals visiting Goa for holidays, the minister listed various measures.

He said the government had awarded the work to two firms to prevent drowning of tourists at all the 41 beaches in the state and two inland water bodies--Dudhsagar Waterfall and Mayem Lake.

"The contractor (Drishti Services) has been deploying more than 600 numbers of trained lifeguards and 111 night patrolmen," Ajgaonkar said.

The government has also set up a Tourist Police Unit headed by a superintendent of police (Tourist), and comprising two deputy superintendents of police, police inspectors, six sub-inspectors in two districts--South Goa and North Goa.

The government has also deployed more than 90 personnel of the IRB at various beaches to put a check on various illegalities and assist the tourists in times of distress.

"Of late, the government has authorised Superintendent of Police (North) to ply motorcycles on various beaches in North Goa for patrolling purpose," the minister said.

Ajgaonkar further said that the department of tourism has been taking various measures to ensure more footfall of foreign tourists in Goa.

The coastal state had recorded various incidents of rapes and killings of foreign women in recent years.