The South Goa district administration on Friday sealed seven hotels, including restaurants and guest houses, in Colva.

The operation, conducted by sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Sangeeta Naik, commenced at around 7am and ended only at around 3.30pm as per a report in TOI.

Though a strong posse of policemen was deployed for the exercise, no untoward incident was reported, official sources said.

The district administration was executing directions issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) earlier this month.

Altogether 14 hotels had been directed by GSPCB to stop operations by March 6 as they were either found to be functioning without consent to operate or their sewage treatment plants were malfunctioning or soak pits overflowing.

Speaking to TOI on the conclusion of the sealing exercise, Naik said that clarification has been sought from GSPCB with regards to sealing four units which were also ordered to be shut.

"There is a possibility that some voters could be residing in the units which are residential ones, and so we have written to GSPCB seeking certain clarifications," Naik said. The clarification has been sought in view of the model code of conduct.

One more guest house was partially sealed, as occupants of some of its rooms were away, while one of the units could not be located by the SDM's team. "We have now asked GSPCB to help us identify the unit to be sealed," Naik said.

Graciano Cottage, Silver Sands, Amigo Plaza, South Western Railway's guest house, Rafael bar and restaurant cum residence, Maria guest house and Jimmy bar and restaurant, were the seven establishments that were sealed, sources said.

Hotel Colva Kinara managed to obtain a stay on the GSPCB order and evaded action.

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