Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's move to amend the Goa Regularization of Unauthorized Construction Act, 2016 is well-intentioned. The rationale behind this decision is to assist those individuals who have built unauthorized structures under the assumption that they could one day become a viable aspect of this beautiful region. Allowing for the regularization of construction up to 1,000 square metres in urban areas and 600 square metres in panchayat areas provides a degree of hope for individuals who find themselves in a precarious situation. Sawant said that instructions have been issued to authorities to ensure that no more illegal structures come up on the government land, comunidade land, roadsides or any other places. He suggested that if any citizen comes across such illegalities they should Dial 100 and file a complaint with the police.
On the surface, this amendment appears to be a magnanimous gesture, aiming to relieve those caught in the whirlwind of bureaucracy and red tape. However, let’s dig deeper into what this entails. The distillation between 'unauthorized' and 'illegal' into distinct categories makes for an interesting conversation. Unauthorized constructions might be deemed deserving of compassion because of a blend of ambition and desperation. However, illegal structures, which often appear malignantly on the landscape, seem to sprout without ownership and in clear manipulation of rights.
The question is, what were authorities and local bodies doing? Authorities have historically turned a blind eye to the growth of illegal structures and have managed to bypass accountability. The systemic connivance or neglect by local bodies has been glaring. High Court directives suggesting actions against such illegalities have been more than mere recommendations; they echo the sentiments of a population wary of such unscrupulous developments.
Now, as we traverse this grey area of misconception, the government clarifies not to regularize illegal structures, while simultaneously stating that it is addressing only the unauthorized ones. The crux of the issue, however, lies in the enforcement of regulations. It’s paramount for authorities to distinguish not just in terminology, but in action. If we loosen the reins on those who have skirted the law, it opens a Pandora’s box for bad actors looking to exploit any legal gaps.
Goa's landscape is closely knit with illegal structures and authorities have been part and parcel of the system. Local bodies have nurtured a system that allowed for rampant construction on government and comunidade land. Furthermore, businesses have mushroomed on paddy fields or roadsides, creating an unfettered mess because authorities have looked the other way. Illegal structures cannot surface without the knowledge of authorities. Secondly, while regularizing unauthorized constructions may seem like benevolence, it could have its downside. In the absence of rigorous enforcement, we might see a surge in mechanisms of exploitation, leading to further dilapidation of governance.
The need of the hour is not just compassion for the misguided but a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, accountability for lapses, and robust systems to ensure that the sanctity of Goa’s land is preserved for future generations. Whether through direct action, local engagement, or accountability, a good government must rise above the chaos of the present and envision a harmonious environment where rights and responsibilities converge seamlessly. Only then can we hope to see a Goa where construction does not come at the cost of its charm and character.
