Goa Tourism Launches Beach Vigil App for Public To Report Beach Violations

The Goa Tourism Department introduced the Beach Vigil App on Thursday, allowing the general public to report various illegalities on the shoreline, subsequently addressed by relevant authorities. State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted that the app, initially launched in July last year, is now open for public use. 

Users can report issues such as illegal vending, massages, deck beds, hawking, and touting. The app allows users to report as many as 16 violations relating to beaches, from garbage dumping to illegal constructions coming up.

Khaunte emphasized that unresolved complaints would escalate to higher authorities. Developed by the state-run Goa Electronic Limited, the app has witnessed 1,300 downloads and 1,240 reported violations since its soft launch, with 1,091 issues already addressed. 

The recent legal amendment empowers the police to take action against beach illegalities under section 188 of IPC, reinforcing Goa’s commitment to a positive tourist experience.