MAPUSA
In what is being seen as a major step toward addressing unauthorised constructions in North Goa, the local administration is set to undertake the demolition of 25 illegal structures at ‘Lala ki Basti’ in Auchit-Vaddo, Tivim, on Tuesday.
The long-delayed action is scheduled to begin at 9.30 am and comes after a renewed push from the judiciary to clamp down on encroachments and illegal structures.
The demolition drive was initially planned for early March but was postponed, reportedly out of consideration for a religious festival observed by the minority community residing in the affected settlement.
However, with the recent directive from the High Court of Bombay at Goa – issued in the wake of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal constructions – authorities now appear determined to move forward without further delay.
Officials have reportedly made all necessary arrangements for the demolition, including the deployment of personnel for law and order maintenance and coordination with the Public Works Department and electricity department for necessary disconnections.
The Administrator of Comunidade (North), Pandurang Gad, had served demolition notices to the residents in February this year, instructing them to vacate the premises.
‘Lala ki Basti’ has long been a contentious issue in Tivim.
The settlement, which is said to house more than 100 unauthorised structures, has been at the centre of heated debates over land rights and urban planning.
There are widespread allegations that many of these constructions came up with the tacit approval – or at the very least, the silent complicity – of local political figures and members of the Comunidade, who turned a blind eye to the encroachments over the years.
The issue gained further prominence following sustained campaigns by the Revolutionary Goans Party, which has taken a strong stance against migrants’ colonies in the State.
The party has consistently accused successive governments of allowing such settlements to mushroom unchecked for political gain.
The demolition of the 25 structures is likely just the beginning of a broader crackdown.
With the High Court's directives in play and growing public scrutiny, the government is under pressure to act decisively against illegal settlements, not just in Tivim, but across Goa.
