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The popular tourist spot of Calangute in North Goa is considering a new rule for travelers. The local panchayat wants to make it mandatory for tourists to have a hotel reservation before entering the village. This proposal comes after numerous complaints about the "nuisance" caused by some visitors.
Proposed Checkpoints for Tourists
In a draft resolution, the Calangute panchayat suggests setting up checkpoints on roads leading to the village. These checkpoints would stop tourists without hotel reservations from entering the panchayat's area. The famous Calangute beach, which is under the panchayat's jurisdiction, attracts many tourists.
Concerns of the Local Community
Joseph Sequeira, the sarpanch of Calangute, explained that the decision was made following recent incidents where tourists caused disturbances and engaged in illegal activities. He mentioned that issues like prostitution and touting have become significant concerns for the village.
"These tourists, often in groups of ten packed in one jeep, come here for a day. They enjoy the beach, get drunk, and leave garbage everywhere. They indulge in illegal activities, and when caught, they blame the village. We believe requiring a prior hotel reservation will act as a deterrent," Sequeira said.
Recent Incidents and Security Measures
The proposed resolution comes shortly after two nightclub employees in Calangute were arrested for allegedly extorting money from a tourist. The tourist from Gujarat claimed that the suspects lured him into the nightclub with promises of introducing him to a woman and then demanded money. This incident led to the club being sealed by district authorities.
Earlier this year, the Calangute panchayat decided to hire bouncers to help control touts around the beach area. Sequeira emphasized that these measures are necessary for maintaining security in the village.
Managing Guest Houses and Illegal Activities
Sequeira pointed out that over 80 percent of guest houses in Calangute are rented to people from outside Goa. Often, the owners are unaware of what happens on their premises, including illegal spa operations and immoral trafficking.
He drew parallels with practices abroad, where authorities ask about travelers' accommodations at airports and sometimes impose entry taxes on vehicles. "These measures have successfully curbed such incidents," he said.
Approval Process and Legal Concerns
The draft resolution will be sent to the deputy collector, and further action will depend on approval from higher authorities. Sequeira acknowledged that implementing this rule would not happen overnight and ideally should be a state government decision, not just the panchayat's.
However, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo argued that such a resolution would be unconstitutional. "You cannot ban the entry or movement of tourists anywhere. If illegal activities are occurring, law enforcement should be informed. Residents' concerns about nuisance caused by tourists, especially after drinking, are understandable, but this resolution cannot be imposed," Lobo said.
Alternatives and Possible Solutions
Lobo suggested that the panchayat could impose stricter fines for littering or designate specific areas for tourist parking to address the issues. These measures could help manage the situation without restricting tourists' movements.
In summary, the Calangute panchayat's proposal aims to address the growing concerns of the local community regarding tourists' behavior. While the resolution awaits approval, it has sparked a debate about the balance between tourism management and constitutional rights.
