MAPUSA
Acting on directions from the District Magistrate, the Calangute Panchayat has begun a special inspection drive of clubs and restaurants in its jurisdiction following the recent fatal fire incident in Arpora.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said the action follows instructions issued by the District Magistrate based on a report of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC), which directed panchayats to verify compliance with mandatory norms and statutory requirements by tourism-related establishments. “In the aftermath of the Arpora incident, notices were issued to 21 restaurants in the Calangute panchayat area, asking them to produce all required permissions and documents,” Sequeira said.
The State government had constituted the JEMC to ensure strict adherence to safety norms, licensing conditions and statutory compliances in tourism establishments across North Goa.
Panchayat Secretary Arjun Velip said inspections are currently underway. “So far, seven establishments have been inspected. Of these, six have produced the necessary documents, which are being scrutinised,” he said, adding that the remaining establishments will be inspected in the coming days. Sequeira said a detailed inspection report would be placed before the panchayat body at its meeting scheduled for February 3, after which further action would be decided. “Show-cause notices will be issued wherever required,” he said.
Warning of strict action, Sequeira said licences could be revoked if establishments are found operating illegally or beyond permitted hours. He clarified that the panchayat allows operations only up to 11 pm, and any action beyond that time would fall under the jurisdiction of other departments.
Responding to criticism, Sequeira said panchayats are often unfairly blamed for violations, noting that many licence holders hand over operations to outsiders. The panchayat has assured that inspections will continue and violations will be dealt with firmly.
