Team Herald
PANJIM: Residents of Sao Tome and Fontainhas, have launched a signature campaign to address growing concerns over unregulated tourism. Under the banner of the ‘Community Association of Residents & Establishments (CARE)’, they will be presenting their petition to the Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) soon.
The petition outlines numerous grievances, including severe traffic congestion and parking issues. Residents argue that tourist and casino vehicles have turned their peaceful neighbourhood into a chaotic zone, clogging narrow streets and blocking access for emergency services. Haphazard parking and wrong-way driving are daily occurrences.
Equally concerning is the surge in anti-social behaviour. Residents report a growing presence of touts, hawkers, and antisocial elements, making them feel unsafe in their own homes. Instances of trespassing, public urination, property damage, and defacement have escalated. Noise pollution, especially from rowdy tourists and group photography, is a particular irritant for elderly residents.
Amongst the many suggestions they have put forward to the authorities, CARE’s petition calls for a ban on entry tourist and casino vehicles, restricted parking for locals and establishments, road barriers, the deployment of traffic police and installation of surveillance cameras for effective monitoring. They also demand sanitation facilities across the creek and propose designating the area as a living heritage zone with proper protections to preserve its unique character.
A section of the residents of Sao Tome and Fontainhas have also opposed the Corporation of the City of Panaji’s (CCP’s) plans for a street festival in their heritage neighbourhoods. They have drafted ian appeal to the Mayor of Panjim, hoping CCP addresses the concerns of the very community it serves.
"We regret to know that the CCP is toying with the idea of promoting or facilitating a street festival in the Latin Quarters of Panjim, more particularly, in the Sao Tome ward this year," state the locals in their letter, which will be presented to the Mayor
"The ward lacks the capacity and infrastructure for commercial events. It's imprudent to host street festivals that disrupt residents' daily lives, the locals added.
"Such festivals will boost tourist footfalls in an area already bursting at the seams," the locals warns.
The letter mentioned "We seek your help to protect and preserve the uniqueness of the 'Latin Quarters' for posterity,"