PANAJI
The Goa government has moved to scrutinise second homes, particularly properties owned by non-Goans and rented out as tourist accommodation, following the Supreme Court’s directions to States to act against commercial activities in premises designated exclusively for residential use.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Sunday said he had directed the Director of Tourism to examine the implications of the Supreme Court’s latest order and identify residential properties being commercially used as accommodation. “We have several hundred non-Goans having second homes in Goa. They are owning properties and renting them out as accommodation. I have asked the Tourism Director to study these cases in view of the Supreme Court order,” Khaunte said.
The Supreme Court, in its September 22 order, directed authorities to prioritise enforcement against commercial activities in areas specifically designated for residential use. Where State permission was granted only for residential use, premises found to be used commercially should, in the first instance, be sealed.
The order was passed by a Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan while hearing proceedings concerning unauthorised construction and violations of building bye-laws and land-use restrictions.
The Court clarified that where permitted land use is not clearly specified as residential or commercial, the possibility of mixed use may require consideration and status quo should be maintained for the time being. It also cautioned authorities against discriminatory enforcement and directed that the exercise be carried out without a “pick-and-choose” approach.
Khaunte said the government has also asked online travel and accommodation platforms, including Airbnb, Agoda and MakeMyTrip, to ensure properties listed on their platforms are registered with the State Tourism Department.
He said some villas and other properties were still operating without registration and warned that such establishments would face closure.
The government has extended the deadline for applications and renewal of tourism properties to October 31.
