Panaji, Dec 23 (IANS): The Goa tourism ministry is tinkering with the idea of using hovercraft to patrol the state's popular beaches.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, after watching a security drill involving a hovercraft operated by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at Miramar beach here, state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said that his team was evaluating the use of hovercraft to keep Goa's beaches secure.

"These can travel on land and sea. We want to understand whether they can be used to keep tourists coming to Goa's coastal areas and beaches secure," Parulekar said.

Deputy Inspector General of the ICG Manoj Baadkar said that hovercraft were very effective in anti-terror operations.

"It can be used for tourist safety," he said.

Goa is one of the most popular beach tourism destinations in the country and abroad and attracts nearly three million tourists annually. Thanks to its profile, the state has also been on the terror radar for several years now.