Businesses suffer as cheap, unhygienic stalls mushroom
MAPUSA
Once the crown jewel of Goa’s beach tourism, Calangute is now grappling with an unexpected crisis – an explosion of illegal biryani stalls that are disrupting the local economy and tarnishing the destination’s appeal.
At just ₹100 per plate, these makeshift vendors have mushroomed across the coastline, drawing budget-conscious tourists while raising serious concerns about hygiene, public order and economic sustainability.
Local authorities and tourism stakeholders are alarmed. According to Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, the influx of unauthorised food stalls is crippling legitimate businesses.
“This is destroying our tourism industry. Tourists arrive in their vehicles, park for free, use public facilities, eat cheap, unhygienic biryani, and sleep on the beach. They contribute nothing to the local economy. Where is the benefit for Calangute?” he asked, his frustration evident.
Sequeira pointed out that Calangute, once a hotspot for high-spending visitors, has seen a drastic dip in tourist expenditure. “People used to spend ₹1,000 per meal at restaurants. Now, they get by on ₹100, hurting our hoteliers and eateries,” he lamented.
Raids and resistance
Despite repeated crackdowns by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the problem persists.
Officials estimate that at least 40 to 50 such unauthorised vendors continue to operate unchecked. An FDA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that over 20 cases had been booked, with more action planned. However, the resilience of these vendors suggests that enforcement alone may not be enough.
The concern isn’t just about economics – it’s also about hygiene. Many of these makeshift stalls operate without proper sanitation, raising fears of food-borne illnesses among unsuspecting tourists. Yet, the low prices and easy availability make them a popular choice for budget travellers.
Changing tourist demographics
Beyond the illegal food trade, Sequeira expressed concern over the changing face of tourism in Calangute.
He alleged that an unchecked influx of domestic tourists had led to a decline in foreign visitors. According to him, persistent requests for selfies and inappropriate behaviour have made international tourists feel uncomfortable, causing them to seek alternative destinations.
“The foreign tourists have had enough. They no longer want to stay in Calangute because of the nuisance caused by Indian visitors. They feel uncomfortable and disrespected,” he stated bluntly.
With Calangute’s reputation at stake, local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are demanding swift intervention. They fear that if authorities fail to act decisively, the area could spiral into chaos, driving away both domestic and international visitors.
The question remains: will the government and enforcement agencies step up to reclaim Calangute’s lost charm, or will this once-thriving beach paradise succumb to unchecked commercialisation and lawlessness?
