Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira leads a discussion during the gram sabha meeting on Sunday.
MAPUSA
In a significant move, Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira announced on Sunday that the panchayat would no longer issue or renew licenses for spas in the village starting from the new financial year.
The decision came during a discussion at the gram sabha meeting, which was attended by local residents and panchayat members.
Sequeira emphasized that the panchayat would adhere to the previous gram sabha resolution, stating, "From April 1, the panchayat will not issue or renew licenses for spas in Calangute. If anyone has an issue, they can approach the court."
This announcement was in response to concerns raised by villagers, including former panchayat member Sudesh Mayekar, who questioned the panchayat's efforts to ensure businesses comply with legal regulations.
The villagers also raised concerns about the promotion of discos and spas in the area, with some suggesting that businesses without proper facilities, such as toilets or parking, should be shut down.
Mayekar specifically urged the panchayat to take action against illegal advertising and business activities within the village.
However, some villagers, including resident Agnel, raised doubts about the legality of the decision.
Agnel pointed out that the panchayat could not enforce the closure of spas if it violated the law, as resolutions by the gram sabha could not override legal provisions.
Despite this, Sarpanch Sequeira remained firm in his stance, stating that the panchayat would not renew spa licenses.
In addition to the spa license issue, the gram sabha passed a resolution concerning construction projects.
Former panchayat member Clotilda Braganza proposed that no multi-dwelling constructions or hotel projects should receive licenses unless the area had a properly tarred road measuring at least 4.5 metres in width, with a 1.5-metre setback on either side, in line with the Regional Plan.
Sequeira informed the gram sabha that two such projects had recently been rejected for not meeting several requirements including lack of water and power facilities in the village.
The meeting also addressed the proposed budget estimates for 2025-26.
Local resident Antonio D’Souza expressed concern that raising taxes or increasing financial burdens could impose unnecessary stress on the community, especially if the funds were not allocated to projects that directly benefit the village.
