In a move that could finally reclaim cluttered public spaces and restore Calangute’s image as a prime tourist hub, the village panchayat has sounded the death knell for abandoned vehicles dotting its roadsides and open areas.
Issuing a public notice, Calangute Panchayat Secretary Arjun Velip informed that several two-wheelers, four-wheelers and other private as well as commercial vehicles have been lying unused for years across road-widening zones, open plots, residential societies, panchayat properties and parking areas within the village jurisdiction.
According to the notice, these long-abandoned vehicles pose multiple risks, including the possibility of illegal or anti-social activities, oil leakages, and other hazards affecting public health. They have also been flagged as a major source of inconvenience for pedestrians, tourists and local residents, while contributing to traffic congestion and obstructing the free movement of vehicles.
The panchayat has directed owners to remove such vehicles on or before May 31. Failing compliance, authorities will proceed to confiscate or attach the vehicles and dispose of them through auction without issuing any further notice.
Officials stated that the decision follows a formal resolution adopted by the panchayat in the larger public interest. The initiative is being seen as a firm step towards improving civic order, reducing visual blight and enhancing safety in the busy coastal village.
Local authorities believe that clearing these abandoned vehicles will not only ease congestion but also free up valuable space that can be put to better use. The drive is expected to significantly improve the overall environment and aesthetics of Calangute, setting an example for other villages and towns to undertake similar clean-up measures.
