Calangute MLA Michael Lobo held a meeting to review the situation in his constituency specially in connection with the rampant use of drugs, the increasing number of anti-social elements and the rise in number of dance bars along the coast.
Calangute and Candolim, being THE places for Indian and foreign tourists because of its scenic beauty and lovely beaches, attract lot of visitors the year round, come sun or rain.
The meeting was attended by ZP Shawn Martins, PI Tushar Vernekar, Neighbourhood Watch Calangute Convener Sudesh Mayekar, Candolim Sarpanch Sandra along with entire village panchayat members of Candolim, NGO Child Rights of Goa, Advocate Sonia Kurtikar, Calangute Comunidade Attorney Anthony, Ex ZP Anthony Menezes, Calangute United NGO and concerned citizens of Calangute.
During the tourist season one can see numerous touts, pimps, hawkers, handcarts, ice cream carts, as well as a set market for African origin drugs, bag snatchers and an increase in number of dance bars in Calangute and Candolim.
Along with the tourists and the above mentioned persons, it is a common sight to see people just wandering around selling items and often harassing the tourists, specially the foreigners.
During the meeting the Calangute MLA advised the people to remain vigilant, stay united and fight the menace taking the help of the police.
The peddling of drugs, sources say, is becoming rampant and is often done in the open. The increase in the dance bars is attracting youth as well as adults leading them in the wrong direction, villagers alleged.
Another thing, which is becoming common nowadays, is the bags snatching cases.
“Drugs are openly being sold on roads. Girls are being trafficked at dance bars and disco clubs. Life of girls is in danger because of increase in number of dance bars and outsiders driving into Calangute. All these activities have put Calangute in a bad state,” said Zenobia Lobo, resident of Calangute.
Lobo has also asked the police to fully co-operate with the citizens and start a crackdown throughout this season to check this menace. In this regards the DGP has promised a special squad for this drive through the season.
PI Tushar Vernekar will sanction a special squad to the citizens which will operate round the clock with PSI. All the citizens are free to call this squad if they see any touts, beggars, peddlers, hawkers or notice anything suspicious.
