MAPUSA
Calangute Village Panchayat has launched action against several hotels and guest houses accused of releasing untreated sewage into open drains, following repeated complaints from residents about foul odour and pollution.
Speaking at a gram sabha meeting, Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said notices had been issued to 66 commercial establishments after complaints that sewage from hotels and other hospitality units was being discharged into drains, nullahs and open spaces, creating health and environmental concerns. Sequeira said the panchayat had begun surprise inspections of older commercial properties, particularly those operating for more than 20 years, to check whether their private sewage treatment plants (STPs) and soak pits were functioning properly.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over sewage overflowing into roadside drains and gutters in parts of Calangute, causing foul smells. Local activists had also shared videos on social media allegedly showing sewage being released into open drains and demanded action against violators.
The gram sabha also discussed the proposed multi-level parking facility at Baga. Resident Manuel Cardozo questioned the need for the project, claiming several hotels and resorts had converted approved parking areas for commercial use, forcing visitors to park along roadsides and worsening traffic congestion.
Sequeira said the parking facility was necessary due to increasing demand and informed the meeting that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) was preparing the project plans.
Meanwhile, the proposed sports complex at Boa Viagem faced opposition from members of the Calangute Comunidade managing committee. They objected to the announcement of the project on comunidade land without prior approval.
Committee members said the panchayat must first submit an application before it can be placed before the comunidade general body for approval. Sequeira said the sports complex was a public-oriented project and that a public notice had already been issued.
