Upset by the repeated nuisance caused by tourists, a panchayat in North Goa’s famous tourist spot Calangute has proposed making it mandatory for travellers to have a prior hotel reservation before they enter the village.
According to a draft resolution, the Calangute panchayat has proposed setting up checkpoints on the approach roads leading to the village to stop tourists who do not have a hotel reservation from entering the jurisdiction of the village panchayat. The Calangute beach is a popular tourist spot in Goa.
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Reason for Move
According to Calangute panchayat sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, the decision has been taken after some recent incidents of tourists creating ruckus and “indulging in illegal activities that bring disrepute to the village”. Prostitution and touting have become a matter of concern for the village, he said as reported by The Indian Express.
“These tourists…groups of 10 people packed in one jeep…come here for a day. They enjoy themselves on the beach, get drunk and throw garbage everywhere. They indulge in illegal activities. When they get caught, they blame the village. We have decided that tourists should have a prior reservation when they enter the village,” he said, adding that this will act as a deterrent.
The resolution by the panchayat comes after two nightclub employees in Calangute were arrested for allegedly extorting money from a tourist. In his complaint, the tourist from Gujarat alleged that the suspects had “lured him” him into the nightclub by promising an introduction to a woman and then demanded money.
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District authorities eventually sealed the club.
Earlier this year, the Calangute village panchayat had decided to recruit bouncers to help take action against “touts” operating in the vicinity of the beach. Sequeira believes these actions become necessary in light of security concerns in the area.
According to the sarpanch, the draft resolution will now be sent to the deputy collector and further steps shall only be taken if it is approved by the higher authorities.
