Committee to examine HC order, recommend legislation; Govt mulls setting up special law wing to guide on illegalities
PANAJI
While reiterating the government’s plan to bring in legislation to protect the rights of people affected by the High Court order on unauthorised constructions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday categorically stated that no “illegal” structures or constructions would be “regularised”.
“We are in the process…either to have a policy decision or bring in legislation to regularise the unauthorised constructions as a relief to the affected parties. Let me make it clear, only unauthorised structures would be regularised…not a single illegal construction would be regularised. No illegalities would be allowed,” Sawant told media persons after chairing a High Powered Committee meeting.
The meeting, which was also attended by Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, also decided to form a committee under Secretary Revenue to examine the HC order and to recommend pros and cons of bringing in legislation.
Sawant said that the government has already decided to amend the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Act to regularise unauthorised structures up to 1,000 sqm in urban areas and 600 sqm in rural areas. “I am repeating it again, no illegal structures would be regularised,” he said.
Sawant said that clear instructions have been issued to the authorities to ensure that no more illegal structures come up in the government land, comunidade land, road sides or any other places as identified by the High Court and if any citizen comes across, should dial 100 and file complaint with the police. “The deputy collectors are empowered to take immediate action,” he said.
The Chief Minister informed that based on the HC directions, the authorities have issued notices to illegal commercial establishments located along road-side. “They are directed to remove their structures within 15-20 days failing which we will remove it,” he said.
Sawant maintained that whatever action the government is currently initiating is based on the High Court order only.
During the just concluded Budget Session, the Chief Minister had said that “we need to make a distinction between illegal and irregular constructions.”
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate said that a committee under Revenue Secretary with district collectors as members would be set up to recommend pros and cons and how we can go ahead with the legislation. “The issue is vast and we need to study everything,” he said.
The government is considering setting up a Special Law wing under Advocate General to guide the government on the issue.
In compliance with a recent order of the High Court, the Directorate of Panchayats and Urban Development issued instructions to panchayats and municipal councils across Goa to identify and act against illegal constructions.
