Panaji: Local taxi operators in Cavelossim, Goa, have requested the sarpanch to allow only their taxis to operate outside hotels and commercial establishments. During the gram sabha held on Sunday, they expressed concerns that hotel-provided taxi services are threatening their daily livelihood.
Taxi Operators' Concerns
“We have locals operating restaurants, spas and rental cars in our village. If the hotels continue to provide their private taxi service to the tourists, our business will cease to exist. We request the panchayat to take immediate action and have only local taxis parked at stands outside the hotels,” said a local taxi operator.
Panchayat Response
Sarpanch Dixon Vaz told TOI, “We have taken their concerns under consideration and we will hold a panchayat meeting to discuss the same.”
Pollution from Jetty Repairs
Residents also raised the issue of pollution in the sea caused by repairs to two private fishing jetties. They stated that restoration and painting of the jetties are contaminating the water.
Rejection of Draft CRZ 2019
The gram sabha resolved not to approve the draft Coastal Zone Regulation 2019, as the survey excluded several structures. “Some houses and churches are not included in the draft plan. We will write to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and request them to add to our suggestions,” said Vaz.
Budget Approval
Additionally, the gram sabha approved the budget for the year 2026-27. Vaz noted that this year's budget is a surplus budget.
