Team Herald
PANJIM: The Panjim Police have deployed a robot vehicle and two constables to manage and regulate unruly tourists at São Tomé and Fontainhas area in the city.
The action has been taken following complaints from the residents that tourists are causing a nuisance and even invading their privacy.
“One Robot vehicle has been deployed in the area. It was deployed after two calls were received from the residents. Currently, constables have been deployed for the day and it will continue till further instructions from higher-ups,” a police official attached to Panjim Police Station told O Heraldo.
Recently, stating that unregulated tourism activity is disrupting their lives, the residents of São Tomé and Fontainhas had written to the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) Mayor Rohit Monserrate seeking his intervention in the issue.
In a letter, 80 members of the Community Association of Residents and Establishment (CARE), São Tomé - Fontainhas said, “The unstructured and unregulated tourism activity being unleashed in the area is greatly affecting the lives of the residents in the Latin Quarters, Sao Tome and Fontainhas wards of Panjim city.”
Later, they met the Mayor to demand streamlining of tourism-related activities within their areas.
They had also demanded a centralised parking solution for tourist vehicles and other non-resident vehicles.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Monserrate assured the residents that he would collaborate with relevant departments to facilitate direct interactions between residents and officials. The goal is to devise effective solutions to the ongoing challenges posed by tourism in the Latin Quarters, ensuring that the unique character of São Tomé and Fontainhas is preserved while addressing the needs of both residents and visitors.