Calangute: Calangute panchayat has launched a crackdown on illegal shops and vendors selling fast food, shutting down many outlets on the beach, Tito’s Lane, Baga, the football ground and other spots ahead of the new tourist season.“For the last few days, we have been conducting raids where they sell idli-dosa, wherever they sell food items. These are all outsiders who come to Calangute and set up these illegal outlets. Those who give them space are all Goans who have shops. They give them space in front and tell them to sell. They put a table in front, and some chairs, and tourists eat there. Besides these places, some illegal biryani outlets have also been opened, which we will shut down,” said sarpanch Joseph Sequeira.“We decided not to wait for the food and drug administration (FDA). In the last few days, we have raided many places, seized the food items and disposed of them,” said Sequeira.“The panchayat does not give a licence to these places. But many locals procure licences in their names, rent the place out, and sit at home. These places operate unhygienically, doing all these types of business. I appeal to our locals to stop this because it will spoil the image of Calangute,” he said.Sequeira said the tourism department and police must also remove hawkers and vendors selling trinkets and food items and harassing beachgoers. “The tourism department has taken over the beach. This has to be looked into by the tourism department and tourism minister. But what can they do when the tourist police don’t do anything? If Calangute has degenerated, it’s because of this,” he said.
