the goan I network
MAPUSA
In an attempt to do away with nuisance created by overhead cables, Calangute panchayat has issued a notice warning the operators of cable TV and internet service providers to remove the overhead cables and lay them underground before November.
In yet another resolve to eliminate hawkers, touts and beggars from pestering tourists in the coastal belt, the panchayat decided to use powers under Section 112 of Goa Panchayati Raj Act 1994 to tackle tourism related problems.
The panchayat in a recent public notice has said that overhead cables of various internet and cable TV service operators were causing public nuisance and acted as an eyesore in the village.
“The service providers will have to lay their cables underground by taking necessary permissions and complete the task on or before November, failing which necessary action will be initiated for causing nuisance,” said Calangute Sarpanch Shawn Martins.
He said after the due date, the panchayat will remove the overhead cables and the cost will be billed to the respective operators.
In another public notice, the panchayat has decided to use powers under Section 112 of Goa Panchayati Raj Act 1994 to act tough on touts, hawkers and beggars creating nuisance along the coast and the Calangute village.
The sarpanch said it was brought to the notice of the gram sabha that there were many beggars, unauthorized guides, hawkers, agents selling time share, touts/agents, individuals etc loitering around the streets.
“Such individuals indulge in activities of distributing flyers/soliciting tourist customers on commission basis, and under false pretext of booking rooms/promoters in hotels, massage parlours, spas, clubs, promoting restaurants etc., which is causing nuisance to locals and thereby damaging the image of the village,” Martins said.
The notice further pointed out that apart from causing nuisance, the touts were also involved in various illegal activities such as selling drugs to tourists, soliciting for prostitution, extortion, misguiding the tourists etc thereby jeopardizing the tourism industry.
“In exercise of powers conferred under Section 112 of the Panchayat Act, necessary action will be initiated,” the sarpanch said.
