Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a belated but significant step, the Standing Committee of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Thursday decided to put a hold on the issuance of new licences for spas and massage parlours in the city, Mayor Rohit Monserrate has announced.
The move comes in response to complaints from residents and growing unease over the rapid proliferation of such establishments, many of which have emerged to cater to tourists and visitors of offshore casinos along the Mandovi River.
Speaking to a local digital news platform, Monserrate defended the decision, noting, “We’ve seen an explosion of spas and massage parlours in Panaji. There are also allegations of illegalities in these establishments.”
The committee cited several concerns, including saturation in key commercial areas, increasing pressure on civic infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and difficulties in monitoring the operations of these businesses once licences are issued. “We are not against wellness centres or legitimate businesses. But we cannot allow Panaji to turn into a free-for-all for establishments that may not operate within their licence,” Monserrate added.
The decision to freeze new spa licences will need formal approval at a council meeting before being forwarded to the State government, accompanied by a request to develop a comprehensive policy for such businesses. The freeze will impact several pending applications, and the government will have to form a sub-panel to assess the long-term effects and recommend a sustainable regulatory framework for wellness enterprises in the city.
The timing of the move is notable, coming in the final months of the current CCP council’s term, which ends in mid-March next year, ahead of elections for 30 new city councillors.
