Daijiworld Media Network - Calangute

Calangute, Jul 13: The Calangute gram sabha on Sunday witnessed a divided opinion over a proposal to appoint a Delhi-based agency to conduct a carrying capacity study of the popular tourist destination, with several villagers suggesting that other institutions would be better suited for the task.

Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira informed the meeting that the panchayat had approached The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) after repeated demands from residents over the past two years. He clarified that TERI had only been invited to submit a proposal and that no final decision had been taken on awarding the study.

Several villagers argued that organisations such as the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), or even the Town and Country Planning Department, would be more appropriate to undertake the assessment. Following the discussion, the gram sabha passed a resolution to explore proposals from other agencies before making a final choice.

The meeting also focused on sanitation issues in Calangute. Sequeira said the panchayat had issued notices to 66 hotels and commercial establishments following complaints about untreated sewage being discharged into drains, nullahs and open areas, leading to persistent foul odours in the village.

He said surprise inspections are being carried out at properties that are more than 20 years old to ensure their private sewage treatment plants (STPs) and soak pits are functioning properly. According to the sarpanch, penalties have been imposed on some violators, while several establishments have already upgraded their sewage systems to comply with regulations.

The proposed multi-level parking facility at Baga also came under discussion. AAP state vice-president Manuel Cardozo opposed the project, arguing that many hotels and resorts had failed to maintain the parking spaces approved in their building plans, instead converting them for other uses, which has worsened the parking shortage for tourists.

Cardozo further pointed out that the existing Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) parking area in Baga remains underutilised. However, Sequeira defended the proposal, stating that the additional parking infrastructure is necessary to meet growing demand and that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) is preparing the project plans.

Another issue that sparked debate was the sarpanch's announcement of a proposed sports complex at Boa Viagem on comunidade land. Members of the Calangute Comunidade managing committee objected to the proposal, saying no prior consultation had been held and that any such project must first be formally proposed and approved by the comunidade's general body in accordance with established procedures.