Calangute: Calangute villagers, at the gram sabha held on Sunday, opposed the ‘casino culture’ in Calangute, claiming that illegal activities are being carried out in those places.
They also urged the panchayat to shut down two newly-opened casinos in the area, including one near the panchayat office, as they do not have any parking facilities for their customers.The locals also questioned the panchayat, demanding to know why spas and massage parlours remain operational, despite repeated efforts to close them down.AAP Calangute convener Manuel Cardozo said that although casinos are only permitted in five-star hotels, there is a casino close to the panchayat office which is operating as a standalone business.
He added that another casino is operating within a property claiming five-star status, though its official status remains unclear.Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said the panchayat has issued notices to the casinos to cease operations, but the granting of five-star classification for a hotel is outside their jurisdiction.The gram sabha adopted resolutions to clear the garbage dumping site of the tourism department in Tito’s lane and shift garbage collection of beach shacks to the material recovery facility at Porbovaddo. They also resolved to oppose all the land conversions done under 39A.
