PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said the government will take strict action against illegal constructions across the State including roads in line with directions issued by the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The State is also considering an ordinance or legislation to deal with or save irregular structures, subject to court compliance.
Sawant, who chaired a high-level meeting at Porvorim in lieu of the March order on rampant illegalities, told reporters that both district Collectorates have been directed to act against unauthorized structures.
The High Court, in a scathing observation, had pulled up the State for failing to control encroachments, which it said were altering Goa’s fragile ecosystem.
“Henceforth, any illegalities will not be tolerated. Collectors have been instructed to act immediately, and their contact numbers have been activated in accordance with the court's directive. At the same time, the government is contemplating bringing a new ordinance or bill to regularize certain irregular structures -- whether on comunidade land, private property or elsewhere – but it will be done only after complying with the High Court directives,” the CM said.
He further made it clear that commercial encroachments on roads would not be spared. “If there are properties on such acquired roads, the concerned people must remove them on their own. This is government property and such violations won’t be allowed,” he stated as the meeting was also attended by Ministers, Chief Secretary and officials concerned.
The High Court, in a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL), had directed the State curtail and remove illegal constructions as it observed that no-development zones, paddy fields, etc were being converted without any permission with authorities reluctant to act.
“This has resulted in a wholesale change of the landscape in the state of Goa by such wide and rampant illegal constructions without any authority of law,” the bench observed in its order dated March 12 directing, “Time has come to curtail, stop and remove such unauthorised constructions in terms and in accordance with the statutory provisions.”
Meanwhile, while the government has decided to clear roadside encroachments, a crucial enforcement gap still remained at the high level meeting on Tuesday. No dedicated district-level squads have yet been constituted to identify and act against such violations, in apparent contradiction to high court directives.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa, in a suo motu public interest litigation, had mandated the formation of district squads tasked with monitoring and curbing encroachments. The directive is to ensure rampant illegalities across the State’s urban and rural areas are curbed.
However, during the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, officials were reportedly unaware of this particular requirement. Sources said that during the meeting, instructions were issued to bring the enforcement mechanism in line with the High Court’s order.
Officials also cited constraints in implementing monthly compliance checks. Sources further revealed that administrative hurdles were brought to the fore with officials claiming that records of illegal structures in villages and urban areas along with action, are not being submitted to their respective departments. Instead, they are being submitted directly to the High Court.
In the meantime, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the administration would abide by the court’s orders, especially in dealing with commercial encroachments along highways and roads.
“Paramount importance is being given to those structures which directly impact road widening. Orders have been issued and authorities are already acting. As for houses, the High Court has not directed demolition but has asked for a logical conclusion. We are committed to protecting local Goan interests,” he said.
Godinho added that inputs from various line departments were being compiled to arrive at a solution that would balance legal compliance with minimal hardship to residents. “If steps are taken to introduce legislation or registration, it will be done to safeguard Goan households,” he added.
Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate clarified that the court had not ordered any specific demolition drive. “The High Court has only asked for a report. As of now, a decision has been taken to remove encroachments on land acquired for road widening. The rest will follow due process,” he said.
The High Court bench had emphasized that Goa’s "fragile ecosystem" needed protection and warned that continued inaction would only further erode the State's natural and legal fabric.
