Caught drinking in public places in Goa? Then be ready to pay fine

Panaji, February 3: “Drinking in public places will soon be made a punishable offense with a fine of up to Rs 5000 to be imposed on those violating the rule,” says CM Manohar Parrikar while speaking on making the drinking laws strict in the state.

Also, to place a complete ban on the dumping of waste in open spaces and public areas, the government intends to further amend the Garbage Management Act, thereby increasing fines to be imposed against the violators, Parrikar said.

“Drinking in public places will be a punishable offense soon. Fine up to Rs 5000 will be imposed on the violators. After the budget session, the government will issue an order in this regard,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ Programme.

Also, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said he has set his mind on deadlines of Swachh Bharat and will “bulldoze if necessary” to meet both -- garbage collection as well as open defecation.

“Government will also amend the Garbage Act, to introduce stringent action and increased fines for those who dump in open areas,” he stated. “With these two measures, almost 90 percent of the issue related to garbage and nuisance will be solved,” he added.

Parrikar said that from April, the government will also start supply of toilets to those who don’t have it in a bid to achieve open defecation free mission by October 2, 2018.