Quepem: Illegalities galore at Cola beach as the information procured under Right to Information has revealed that of the nine high-profile resorts operating here, only three are with licence under Trade and Establishments Act.
What is significant is that of these resorts without licence, one is owned by Ajay Pagi, who was serving as Sarpanch of the local panchayat till recently. The panchayat itself is the body responsible for issuing trade licence, after completing the required formalities.
Cola beach has been most sought after tourist destination due to its strategic location. The application filed under RTI has revealed that only three out of nine, that is 30 per cent of the facilities, are having the mandatory trade licence.
When contacted, Pagi confirmed that his resort is operating on provisional trade licence in absence of other documents required to get a permanent one.
While working without trade licence results in revenue loss to the state exchequer, it also violates the local laws. The authorities seems to have paid blind eye towards these illegalities.
