Calangute says no to sex tourism

the goan I network

MAPUSA

Asserting that sex tourism and the menace of touts had brought a bad name to Calangute, the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has demanded action against pimps, masseurs, touts and illegal hawkers along the coastal belt of Calangute and Candolim.  

“Local girls are harassed and confronted by touts and solicited for favours. The young boys and girls of our village are being exposed to unethical and illegal business which might be detrimental to their overall upbringing,” said Premanand Divkar, President of CCF in a memorandum.  

The CCF handed over the memorandum to the office of the tourism minister and other government officials on Wednesday, calling for immediate action against all illegalities going on along the coastal belt.  

Condemning the impact of negative tourism, the CCF said it was against Goan culture and was spoiling the reputation of the village.  

Divkar said there was drop in tourism footfalls but yet government continued giving permissions to starred resorts.   

“The beach belt is so congested that henceforward no guests will come to Calangute. The locals who run hotels and restaurants will have to shut shop and sit at home. They will then have to do something else to earn a living,” the CCF president said.  

He said if government fails to bring a halt to sex tourism than the entire coastal belt will be bereft of tourists.   

Assuring full support of CCF in providing information of illegal activities to authorities, Divkar demanded strict action against anti-social elements and to maintain a record of history-sheeters.  

He said the CCF met the North Goa Collector who has assured to take action and direct the SP to look into the matter.  

“The beach belt from Sinquerim to Baga is dotted with massage parlours where illegal activities take place. If these activities are not stopped within the next 10 days, we will be compelled to come on streets,” Divkar warned.  

The copy of the memorandum addressed to the Tourism Minister was also handed over to chief secretary, North Goa collector, SP, Calangute PI and the sarpanchas of Calangute and Candolim.