The Goa Human Rights Commission has recommended sealing residential flats used for unauthorised tourist rentals at Saldana Kieran Park in Calangute within 30 days, after residents complained of insecurity, threats and alleged failures by public authorities to protect their rights.
The commission said families, women, children and senior citizens living in the complex faced human rights violations because apartments meant for residential use were being operated as short-term tourist accommodation. It directed the tourism director to seal flats being used for commercial purposes and asked the Calangute panchayat and police to enforce existing laws.
The 156-flat complex has around 46 units rented to tourists, according to the report. Some apartments were allegedly accommodating more than 10 people at a time. Residents told the commission that complaints to the panchayat, police and other authorities had resulted in threats, while concerns also included disturbances and possible illegal activities.
The commission recommended that owners provide proof of commercial electricity connections before any flat is registered under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982. The measure would distinguish apartments being used for commercial tourism activity from homes supplied with domestic electricity connections.
It also said the Calangute panchayat must strictly enforce the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, to prevent commercial activities in residential complexes. Police were directed to respond to residents’ complaints and ensure that violations, including alleged drug use and prostitution, do not occur on the premises. The commission said the rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the complainants and other residents had been violated because public authorities failed to prevent the situation.
The panchayat had previously issued a notice in August to office-bearers of the housing society over the unauthorised use of residential flats for tourist rentals. The notice cited disturbance to residents and safety concerns, directed that daily rentals stop within seven days and stated that the panchayat had not granted permission for commercial activities in the complex.
In a letter to the Calangute police inspector in September, the panchayat reiterated that the project was residential and that it had not issued a no-objection certificate for guesthouses or other commercial activities. It said some flats continued to operate as guesthouses despite earlier notices and requested police action.
The tourism department told the commission that eight units in the complex were registered as guesthouses or hotels. It also said that no new registration or renewal under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, would be granted without a no-objection certificate from more than 50% of the housing society’s residents.
The commission’s recommendation places responsibility on the tourism department, local panchayat and police to coordinate enforcement. The immediate next step is the proposed sealing of flats being used for commercial purposes within 30 days, alongside action on pending complaints and checks on tourism registrations.
