I wish to draw the attention of policymakers and the public to the growing governance challenges faced by the coastal villages of Candolim, Arpora, and Parra, which fall within the Calangute constituency.
These villages have undergone rapid transformation over the past few decades due to tourism expansion, real estate development, and increased population. While they are still governed under the Village Panchayat system, their administrative and infrastructural demands today resemble those of semi-urban or urban settlements. Issues such as waste management, traffic congestion, environmental protection, tourism regulation, and infrastructure planning require stronger institutional mechanisms and better coordination.
The spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act emphasises decentralised governance and empowerment of local bodies. In this context, there is a compelling case to reconsider the present administrative framework governing these coastal villages. Either the Panchayat system must be strengthened through a more effective district-level planning and coordination mechanism under the Zilla Panchayat structure, or these rapidly urbanising areas should be considered for suitable municipal status.
Such reforms would enable better planning, improved service delivery, stronger environmental safeguards, and greater accountability in managing the challenges arising from tourism-driven development. Most importantly, they would ensure that governance structures evolve in line with the changing socio-economic realities of these coastal communities.
It is therefore timely for the Government and concerned authorities to review the administrative status of these villages and explore institutional reforms that will ensure sustainable development and effective governance for the benefit of residents and future generations.
