Panaji, July 16: Known as a den for liquor consumers, Goa government is likely to take immediate steps towards curbing the menace created by drunk tourists and locals. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the state is mulling over a strict law which would prevent the consumption of alcohol in public.

Apart from "drinking in public", the BJP-led government in the state is also mulling over imposing a "heavy fine" on tourists, as well as locals, found littering. The move, Parrikar said, is intended to preserve the scenic beauty of Goa.

"Mind you, there will be a heavy fine if you are found drinking (in public) from the month of August. We're issuing a notification very soon. I intend to do it before August, so that we can implement it from August 15. Same way littering will also have a heavy fine of Rs 2,500," Parrikar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The state has been contemplating over stern measures to crackdown on unruly tourists as demanded by the local populace.

Parrikar's ally, the Goa Forward Party (GFP), has demanded the Chief Minister to enact measures which would make Goa a "tourist destination for the rich".

GFP chief and cabinet minister Vijai Sardesai had earlier blamed the "tourists from the North" for the deteriorating law and order. Calling them the "scum of the earth", Sardesai said they want to convert Goa into another Haryana. His remarks were condemned by the Opposition.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2018 11:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).