MAPUSA
In a significant move against rampant illegal constructions in Bardez, a resident of Canca, Atmaram Gadekar, has submitted documentary evidence to the High Court of Bombay at Goa, intensifying the ongoing proceedings in the suo motu PIL No. 3/2024 concerning illegal encroachments across the State.
Gadekar presented a detailed dossier to the Judicial Registrar, comprising documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the North Goa Administrative Comunidade office.
The documents reveal the scale of alleged illegal constructions on comunidade and government land in Mapusa, Tivim and Colvale, complete with house numbers and addresses.
According to the RTI data, there are approximately 1,628 illegal structures in Mapusa alone, along with 550 in Tivim and 450 in Colvale – many of which are reportedly occupied by migrant settlers.
In his application to the High Court, Gadekar informed that he had earlier lodged official complaints with the Tivim and Colvale Village Panchayats, the Mapusa Municipal Council, the Deputy Collectors of Bardez I and II, the Chief Secretary, the Revenue Secretary, the North Goa District Collector and the Administrator of Comunidades, North, but without satisfactory redressal.
Gadekar also cited a 2010 Supreme Court order that directed action against illegal constructions on comunidade and government lands across India.
As part of his submission, he attached minutes and affidavits filed by the then Chief Secretary of Goa, which had instructed the North and South Goa Collectors, the Director of Panchayats, and the Director of Municipal Administration to initiate removal of such encroachments.
"It is prayed that the RTI documents produced by me may be taken on record in Suo Motu PIL No. 3 of 2024, and the authorities be directed to take immediate demolition action against these illegal constructions," Gadekar urged in his application to the court.
The new evidence could potentially escalate the scrutiny on government agencies and local bodies, many of which have been accused of turning a blind eye to widespread encroachments over the years.
Senior counsel and former Advocate General Carlos Ferreira explained that citizens have the option to file an intervention petition using material gathered from relevant documents.
He further added that individuals could also write directly to the Registrar, who would then place the communication before the judges for their consideration.
