Calangute's Unregulated Food Cart Boom Raises Tourism and Regulatory Concerns
In a significant development that has stirred controversy in one of Goa's most popular tourist destinations, former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes has raised serious concerns about the proliferation of unlicensed food carts operating in the area. Speaking on Saturday, Fernandes revealed that hundreds of these mobile food vendors, locally known as "gaddas," are functioning without proper permissions from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), potentially transforming Calangute into what he described as a "gadda tourism" hotspot.
Unlicensed Operations and Alleged Ulterior Motives
Fernandes disclosed that approximately 300 food carts are currently operating in Calangute, with many staying open until 7am, all reportedly run by individuals from outside the village. This situation has created a stark contrast with licensed restaurants, which face a mandated 11pm closure imposed by the local panchayat. The former MLA questioned this disparity, suggesting there might be ulterior motives behind allowing unregulated carts to operate through the night while restricting established eateries.
"If you are closing restaurants by 11pm and allowing the 'gaddas' to stay open till 7am, then there is some ulterior motive," Fernandes asserted. He further noted that many restaurants possess excise licenses permitting them to remain open until 4-5am, yet they are forced to shut down earlier due to panchayat regulations.
Tourist Preferences and Allegations of Hafta Payments
The former legislator observed that tourists increasingly prefer eating at these food carts rather than at proper restaurants, opting for quick snacks like vada-pav from the gaddas. Fernandes claimed this preference is facilitated by alleged hafta (protection money) payments, suggesting that the carts are allowed to operate because they make these unofficial payments to authorities. This practice, he implied, undermines legitimate businesses and compromises food safety standards in the tourist-heavy village.
Wedding Venue Regulations and Noise Pollution Concerns
Expanding his critique to broader regulatory issues, Fernandes also addressed the topic of wedding venues and noise pollution. He referenced reports about the Goa State Pollution Control Board's (GSPCB) plan to enforce a 10pm deadline for loud music at events, acknowledging that noise pollution becomes problematic when it disturbs residents.
Fernandes proposed a nuanced approach, suggesting that wedding venues in isolated areas with no nearby houses could potentially be allowed to operate until midnight. He contrasted traditional village weddings, which involved the entire community and rarely drew complaints, with modern practices where people from areas like Candolim or Calangute host events in halls in Mapusa or other locations.
"For hosts, it's just one day, but for people of that neighbourhood, weddings happen daily, and they complain when they get disturbed," he explained. While recognizing that existing laws govern such events, Fernandes admitted there is an emotional inclination to allow weddings to continue late into the night, provided they do not inconvenience local residents.
The former MLA's comments highlight growing tensions between tourism development, regulatory enforcement, and community welfare in Calangute, pointing to the need for balanced policies that address both economic interests and public concerns.
