MAPUSA
Calangute panchayat cracked the whip against illegal business ventures that were operating on footpaths, road widening and parking areas removing at least 30 such stalls and moving carts in Calangute and Baga beach area.
The exercise which began on Sunday continued for two days and several fruit stalls, fast-food kiosks and moving carts were seized. They have been warned not to operate their stalls on the footpaths and by the roadside.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira along with the panchayat secretary had earlier warned the stall owners to stop doing business in the area or else action would be initiated against them.
“These roadside stalls had become a nuisance for the public. They also disturb free movement of traffic. We will act tough against such illegal businesses,” Sequeira said.
Calangute panchayat had recently issued a public notice warning of action against stall and kiosk owners that are operating on footpaths and road widening areas within the jurisdiction of the panchayat. The owners were given seven days time to stop the business activity in the prohibited areas.
Incidentally, the panchayat had also directed tattoo operators and biryani outlet holders to obtain permission/licence from the concerned competent authority within a period of 15 days failing which the panchayat will initiate necessary action as per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
The sarpanch informed that some of these owners had obtained permission from the tourism department three years ago but had failed to renew the same.
“We had given them time to renew their licences but they failed to do so. We had no other option but to remove their stalls,” Sequeira said. He said the drive to remove the illegal stalls will be ongoing.
“We are aware some of these stall owners will come back and start operating their business. But we will not rest and continue with our surprise raids and eject the illegal stalls,” he said.
With the onset of the tourism season, a hoard of domestic tourists descend in Calangute which is known as the queen of beaches in the State.
The domestic tourists who thrive on fast-food patronise such roadside food stalls that make roaring business during the season.
