Panaji: In a significant development concerning tourism and public safety, the Goa Government has informed the High Court that it will withdraw its notification dated July 7, 2023, which had permitted monsoon water sports activities in the Mandovi River.
The State further assured the Court that no new monsoon water sports activities will be permitted until a comprehensive policy is formulated and implemented.
The decision comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny over the operation of water sports during the monsoon season, a period often associated with rough river conditions, strong currents, and heightened safety concerns.
According to the government’s submission before the High Court, the withdrawal of the existing notification is intended to pave the way for a more structured and comprehensive regulatory framework governing monsoon water sports in Goa.
The proposed policy is expected to address key aspects such as safety standards, operational guidelines, licensing procedures, environmental safeguards, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that tourism activities are conducted responsibly.
The move is likely to impact operators conducting monsoon water sports on the Mandovi River until the new policy is finalised. Authorities have clarified that no fresh permissions for such activities will be granted during the interim period.
The government’s decision reflects an effort to strike a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring public safety while protecting Goa’s river ecosystems.
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