Villagers flag safety and congestion concerns
MAPUSA
In a strong show of collective opposition, residents of the coastal village of Calangute have taken a firm stand against what they describe as the growing “casino culture” in the area, urging authorities to shut down two establishments, including one operating near the village panchayat office.
At a gram sabha meeting held on Sunday, villagers unanimously raised concerns over alleged illegal activities linked to such establishments and called for immediate action.
The meeting also saw the adoption of multiple resolutions addressing broader development issues, including opposition to land conversions under Section 39A, protection of Boa Viagem Hill by declaring it a no-development zone, and the need to assess the village’s carrying capacity amid rapid construction activity.
Residents highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure around the casinos, particularly parking facilities. They pointed out that in the absence of designated parking, visitors often leave vehicles along roads, leading to severe traffic congestion and obstruction.
Voicing concerns on behalf of villagers, Clotilde Braganza said that casinos and dance bars located within residential neighbourhoods disrupt daily life and erode community stability.
“These establishments lead to late-night noise, traffic congestion, and parking difficulties, disturbing the peace of residents. The influx of outsiders also raises concerns about public safety, including risks of theft and violence,” she said.
Braganza further expressed alarm over the proximity of such establishments to a government primary school.
“Being within 100 metres of a school, the environment exposes children to inappropriate behaviour, noise disturbances, and unsafe surroundings, affecting their well-being and academic focus,” she added.
Local resident Manuel Cardozo questioned the legality of the operations, noting that casinos are permitted only within five-star hotels. “One such facility near the panchayat office appears to be functioning as a standalone casino,” he said, also pointing out that some establishments operate only slot machines.
He further alleged that a newly opened casino had placed unauthorised traffic barricades across Calangute as advertisements.
Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira confirmed that the village panchayat has issued notices to the concerned establishments, directing them to cease operations.
