GHRC recommends sealing of flats at Calangute complex

PANAJI
Allegations of drug use and prostitution in flats being operated as illegal guest houses prompted the Goa Human Rights Commission to recommend that the units be sealed. In its inquiry report released on Monday, the Commission also called upon the police to respond to complaints of illegal activities from residents of the Calangute residential complex.
"The Director of Tourism must take steps to seal residential units within 30 days. The Commission further recommends that the Police Department shall respond to complaints of residents of the complex, to ensure that there are no violations of law and no illegal activities like use of drugs and prostitution in the residential complex,” the report stated.
The proceedings arose from a complaint by the residents alleging that around 46 flats were being rented to tourists on a daily basis. Some flats were allegedly occupied by more than 10 persons at a time.
The Commission noted that the Calangute Panchayat had issued notices stating that the premises were meant for residential use and that no permission had been granted for commercial activity. The Panchayat had also informed police about flats allegedly continuing to operate as guest houses and complaints of drug and prostitution activities.
The Tourism Department, in its reply to the Commission, informed that only eight units were registered as guest houses/hotels and registrations would not be granted or renewed without an NOC from more than 50 per cent of residents or the housing society.
The Commission held that the authorities’ failure to act had affected the residents’ rights.
“The human rights of the Complainant and other residents of the complex have been violated by the public servants by not taking steps to protect the right to life, liberty, equality and dignity,” it said.
The authorities have been recommended to submit their action taken or proposed report by November 6.