Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has directed authorities to take action against residential flats at Saldanha Kieran Park, Calangute, allegedly being used for short-term tourist accommodation.
The Commission, while examining a complaint filed on behalf of residents, observed that the alleged commercial use of residential premises and the authorities’ failure to effectively address the issue had affected the residents’ rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity.
The complaint was filed by Savita Yadav on behalf of residents, who alleged that several flats in the 156-unit complex were being rented to tourists on a daily basis. According to the complaint, around 46 flats were allegedly being used for such rentals, with some reportedly accommodating more than 10 visitors.
Residents had raised concerns over security and disturbance and approached the Calangute Panchayat, police and other government authorities seeking intervention.
The Calangute Panchayat had earlier directed the welfare association to stop daily rentals within seven days, invoking provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
During the proceedings, the Director of Tourism informed the Commission that only eight units in the complex had been registered with the department as guest houses or hotels. The department also stated that future registration or renewal would require a no-objection certificate from more than half of the residents or the housing society.
The GHRC referred to principles established in a Tamil Nadu case while assessing the residents’ concerns and held that administrative inaction in dealing with the alleged commercial activity had implications for their basic rights.
The Commission has recommended that the Director of Tourism initiate steps within 30 days to seal flats found to be operating for commercial purposes. It also recommended that electricity connections in units registered as tourist accommodation be treated as commercial rather than domestic connections.
The Calangute Panchayat has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, while the police have been asked to respond to complaints raised by the residents.
The authorities concerned have been directed to inform the Commission about the action taken or proposed by November 6.
