Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: The Calangute Panchayat has intensified action against street food vendors allegedly operating in unhygienic conditions and encroaching on footpaths, while the sarpanch has raised concerns over wine shops allegedly operating as early as 7 am and remaining open late into the night.
Speaking to the media, the sarpanch said the panchayat had conducted early-morning drives over the past several days at various locations across Calangute and Baga, targeting vendors selling idli, dosa, sambar, fruits and other food items from footpaths and public spaces.
The drives covered areas near Calangute Beach, Rajesh Cold Drink, Shahu Tea Stall, the Calangute football ground, Baga Road, Tito’s Lane and Tibaiwaddo. According to the sarpanch, some vendors had also placed tables and chairs on footpaths, obstructing public movement.
The panchayat has issued written notices to the vendors, and fines are being imposed. The sarpanch said goods were also being confiscated and disposed of as part of the enforcement action.
He alleged that some local shop owners were renting out spaces to third-party operators who subsequently conducted businesses without proper oversight. He also claimed that certain food establishments permitted to operate under local arrangements were being sublet.
Appealing to residents to cooperate with the panchayat, the sarpanch said collective responsibility was necessary to address sanitation concerns and restore Calangute’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Raising a separate concern, the sarpanch questioned the functioning of wine shops in and around Tito’s Lane, alleging that some establishments were operating as early as 7 am and others remained open until 5 am the following morning.
He questioned whether the establishments possessed licences permitting such operating hours and called on the Excise Department to investigate the alleged violations.
“The Excise Department should come to Calangute and inspect these establishments,” he said, adding that he was prepared to accompany officials and identify the shops in question.
The sarpanch said the panchayat had formally written to the Excise Department regarding the alleged violations. He also stated that he intended to submit photographic evidence to the Chief Minister, who holds the Excise portfolio, and sought intervention to ensure that licensing conditions were enforced.
He alleged that local businesses faced raids for operating beyond permitted hours, while the wine shops he had flagged appeared to escape similar scrutiny. The allegations have not been independently verified.
When asked about police patrolling, the sarpanch said enforcement of operating hours fell within the responsibility of the police department. He maintained that establishments should comply with their permitted closing times, citing 10 pm for certain businesses, 9 pm or 10 pm for spas, and 11 pm for restaurants.
However, he also pointed to an alleged shortage of police personnel in Calangute. According to him, against a sanctioned strength of around 100 personnel, the area had fewer than 35, making effective enforcement difficult.
He stopped short of directly alleging collusion between the police and the establishments, but questioned the effectiveness of enforcement and called for the authorities to address the situation.
The sarpanch also highlighted the problem of garbage accumulation in Calangute, blaming littering after birthday parties and other gatherings for contributing to the poor condition of some beach stretches.
He said panchayat representatives had personally undertaken clean-up drives across several wards, including Gauravaddo, Tibaiwaddo, Maddavaddo, Khobravaddo, Umtavaddo and Sauntavaddo.
The sarpanch maintained that street vending, alleged licensing violations and poor waste management were affecting the image of one of Goa’s prominent tourist destinations. He called for stronger coordination between the panchayat, Excise Department, police and other authorities to address the issues.
