Click to play videoNew Delhi: Goa government has banned beach parties from December 23 to January 5 in Goa due to a heightened terror threat.
After a high-level security meeting in the state, the Goa government has decided to ban the popular open beach parties this New Year eve.
"No beach parties from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009 due to security reasons. But hotel and traditional parties will be allowed,' said Goa Chief Minister M Digamber Kamat.
The state has been complaining of lax security post Mumbai attacks, and with several miles of un-policed beaches the govt doesn't want to take any risks.
Also Goa has faced many tourist attacks in the recent past and the state authorities do not want to tarnish its image further. However, foreign tourists flocking in the state for the New Year aren't very happy.
"It's bad for the tourist experience as there going to be many western people coming to Goa, expecting to have a good old beach party in Goa, and it's not going to happen. And they'll go home disappointed due to which next year it could be very quiet in Goa as this can have a very negative impact on tourism here," said a tourist.
Beach parties are a major tourist attraction, and a ban at this time of the year is expected to have serious impact on the tourism industry - which is already reeling under the global economic meltdown.
"Today we have been told that because of the threat perception, the mega parties on the beach and also the rave parties shave been banned," said Manguirish Pairaikar.
The government claims that all security arrangements are in place and the state is ready to fight any terror threat. While these precautions may be necessary, this decision is definitely going to affect celebrations in Goa.
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