MAPUSA
Raising concerns over the deteriorating situation in their beach village, the Calangute Block Congress on Friday attributed the problem to the proliferation of dance bars, touts, and narcotics and called for immediate action against the illegalities.
Congress leader Rajan Korgaonkar highlighted the gravity of the situation by citing the recent reaction of Brahmeshanand Swami, who likened the ambiance of Calangute to that of Thailand.
“Dance bars are seen at every stop while touts are having a free run. Cocaine, charas and ganja are available easily in the village. The Chief Minister along with the local MLA should curb such illegal activities that tarnish Calangute’s name,” Korgaonkar said.
He emphasised the urgent need to curb such activities, which have instilled fear among local women, hindering their freedom of movement.
Youth Congress Vice President Vivek D’Silva along with members of Calangute Block Congress were addressing the media in the North Goa Congress District office in Mapusa.
Speaking further, Korgaonkar criticised the government’s inaction despite public opposition to dance bars, citing the intervention of the High Court as the catalyst for any semblance of action.
Calangute block president, Lawrence Silveira expressed disappointment over the continuation of the ‘Vikasit Bharat’ programme despite the ongoing code of conduct, further underscoring the government’s failure to address the grievances of taxi and shack owners.
According to youth Congress VP, Vivek D’Silva, mere assurances from the BJP-led government were insufficient and urged for concrete actions.
He criticised the preferential treatment given to builder lobbies, resulting in harassment of the common man and called for the appointment of more efficient officers to handle such cases effectively.
“The chief minister says we must not build high-rise buildings on the beach side but the TCP department of the same government issues permission for high-rise buildings near the beach,” D’Silva said.
Congress leaders Mukhtar Ahmed, Narendra Raikar, Raju Candolkar, Sachin Vengurlekar, Perpeto Fernandes and Luiza Rodrigues were also present for the media interaction.
