North Goa tourist spots get extra security

PANAJI: Security at churches, temples and tourist hotspots, including beaches in North Goa, has been enhanced in the aftermath of the terror attack in Sri Lanka that targeted churches and killed several people attending service on Easter Sunday.


Superintendent of police (North) Chandan Choudhary had a meeting of police inspectors and sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) on Friday evening and issued detailed directions to intensify security at religious places in North Goa.

“With Goa being an international tourist destination, the possibility of a terror strike can’t be ruled out. Specific directions have been given in context of the terror strike in Sri Lanka,” Choudhary said while conducting an inspection at the popular Calangute beach after meeting with police officials.

Places receiving high footfalls will have more security presence to begin with, she said. “Instructions are for 24x7 vigil,” the SP North said, adding that heads of churches and temples will be asked to be alert to notice any suspicious activity or person moving within their respective premises.

“The SDPOs will brief priests and other heads about this and other safety aspects,” Choudhary said.

Religious places have been told to ensure that entrances and exits are well-lit and manned by CCTV cameras. Currently, surveillance cameras have been installed only by a few religious places despite directions from the police a few years ago.

The North Goa SP said that specific instructions have also been issued to officials to ensure that hotel management conduct proper checks while admitting guests. “It was found that some have not been strict while checking baggage.”

In view of the changed circumstances, Choudhary said that the stationing of PCR vans has also been altered. Instead of being stationed at prominent junctions, they will wait near prominent religious places.