Candolim locals oppose liquor sale at Aguada jail

Calangute: Villagers of Candolim, at the gram sabha held on Sunday, resolved to oppose the sale of alcohol at the Aguada jail museum.
Most attendees said it was inappropriate to serve liquor in the premises of the museum that has been dedicated to the freedom struggle. Sarpanch Fermino Fernandes said, “The agreement is between the private operator and the tourism department. The panchayat has not given any approval. We don’t have anything to do with it.”
The panchayat presented a budget of Rs 18 crore for 2023-24, which showed a surplus income of Rs 3.9 crore. However, no discussion was held on the budget proposals in the well-attended gram sabha.
They have also decided to oppose the proposed helicopter joy rides from the Sinquerim helipad and not allow commercial outlets to operate from the renovated bundh near the Nerul bridge.
When gram sabha members raised the issue of a casino’s opening at Candolim despite public opposition, the sarpanch said that the panchayat has not given any approval. A resolution was adopted to never allow any more casinos in the village.
A number of other issues concerning the traffic signals, damaged footpaths and illegal constructions were also discussed.