I am writing in response to the recent series of articles concerning the reactive stance of shutting down of restaurants and hotels across Goa. It is deeply disheartening that human lives had to be sacrificed before any meaningful action was taken”a responsibility that should have been fulfilled as part of the duty of the local administration. The Panchayat, together with the Sarpanch and the Secretary, appear to be distancing itself from these violations, giving the impression that they have little or no involvement in enforcement. Even when a demolition order is in place, the Panchayat retains the authority to seal an establishment that is operating illegally or unsafely. Section 72‘A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act explicitly empowers the local body to take such action against unlicensed or hazardous premises. The tragic Arpora incident starkly illustrates the consequences of failing to exercise this power. It is important to clarify that the executive function of sealing premises follows a formal resolution. The Secretary, acting on the Panchayat’s behalf, is typically the official who issues the sealing order, rather than the Sarpanch personally.
