Goa Gazette, No. 2526-8, 23 May 2025

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Reg. No. RNP/GOA/32/2024-2026 RNI No. GOAENG/2002/6410 Panaji, ²³rd May, ²⁰²⁵ (Jyaistha ², ¹⁹⁴⁷) SERIES III No. 8

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

EXTRAORDINARY

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

The Collector and District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao-Goa

Order

38/2/2024/163 B.N.S.S./L&O/MAG/XII/1514 Date: 23-May-2025

(Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023)

Whereas, the Superintendent of Police (South), Margao, Goa, vide letter No. SP/S-Goa/Reader/ 1543/2025 dated 23-05-2025, has brought to notice the recurring and grave issue of drowning incidents occurring across various natural water bodies in South Goa District during the monsoon season, including waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes and other similar sites frequently visited by both locals and tourists;

And whereas, despite the District Police's efforts to caution the public through warning signage, these locations continue to be accessed in an unsafe manner, posing significant threats due to unpredictable water depths, slippery and unstable terrain, and sudden currents and underflows;

And whereas, several fatal incidents were reported last year in areas such as Sanguem, Mormugao and Dharbandora, indicating a persistent threat to human life and a serious public safety concern;

And whereas, in view of the above and with a view to preventing further loss of life, the Superintendent of Police (South) has recommended the invocation of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the issuance of a prohibitory order banning all forms of swimming, bathing or entering natural water bodies including waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, and lakes across South Goa District, until further notice. Such legal backing is necessary to empower the police and administration to effectively enforce the restrictions and ensure legal action against violators;

And whereas, I am satisfied that circumstances do not permit the timely serving of individual notices to all concerned persons, and therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (2) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, I hereby issue this order ex-parte;

Now, therefore, I, Egna Cleetus, IAS, District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao-Goa, in exercise of powers vested in me under sub-section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, do hereby prohibit swimming, bathing or entering waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes and other similar natural water bodies in the jurisdiction of South Goa District until further orders. Suggestions are welcomed on e-mail: [email protected] 587 OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA SERIES III No. 8 (EXTRAORDINARY) 23RD MAY, 2025 Further, the concerned Police Inspectors and Mamlatdars are directed to maintain strict vigilance within their jurisdictions and enforce this order diligently.

Any person found in contravention of this order shall be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Additionally, the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Quepem–Goa, is hereby authorized to verify violations, take necessary action, file FIRs with the concerned Police Stations, and initiate complaints before the appropriate Judicial Magistrate.

This order shall come into force with effect from 23-05-2025 and shall remain in operation for a period of 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier.

Given under my hand and seal of this office, this 23rd day of May, 2025.

Egna Cleetus, IAS, District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao-Goa.

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