Panaji: In what seems to be troubles mounting for the illicit liquor trade through Marle village of Canacona, Poinguinim village panchayat has now decided to act with iron hand against three dens, which are working without trade licence.
GNH had exposed illicit liquor trade through these dens, located in the jungles of Cotigao bordering Karnataka. Marle locals had confirmed about the movement of liquor, almost every day from the road running through the village.
According to Excise the establishments have the license under Goa Excise Act and Rules. But the establishments have not obtained the necessary permissions from rest of the relevant departments. Speaking to GNH, Sarpanch of Poinguinim village panchayat Savita Tawadkar has said that the notices have been served to the establishments who were operating illegally with the trade licence of panchayat.
“We had actually resolved six months back to send the notices to such illegal establishments who were operating trade without permission of the village panchayat. The exercise is to generate the revenue to the panchayat and to make the businesses legal sound in the village”, Mrs Tawadkar said.
The panchayat notices have asked the respondents to submit the proper documents including ownership, photograph and plan of the structures, NOC from concern departments and other documents pertaining in context of the business type.
Panchayat swung into action following the raids conducted by the Canacona Police. It may be recalled that Canacona Police seized alcohol worth Rs. 10 lakhs last month, which has been handed over to the Excise Department.
The operation was spearheaded by DySP Tikam Singh Varma (IPS) who led the Canacona police team in raiding three illicit dens operating near the Goa-Karnataka border. Goa Wildlife Warden and local village panchayats have raised their voices against the illicit liquor smuggling through Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden of Goa, Umakant (IFS) has asked for a report from the concerned Deputy Conservator of Forest on the Rs. 10 lakh worth alcohol seizure inside the sanctuary. Both Cotigao and Ponguinim village panchayats while applauding police for their work, urged them to maintain the same vigil in future too.
