66 gaddas to be razed for road widening at Penha de Franca

Panaji: The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued notices to 66 gaddas along the road at Penha De Franca, stating that they will have to be removed as they are in the right of way (RoW), encroaching on an area earmarked for road widening.

The notice states that based on the directives of the high court of Bombay at Goa in a suo moto matter and subsequent directions from the principal chief engineer of PWD, this move is being taken. “As per the directives of the court, any structure/encroachment deemed as a nuisance/obstruction/risky/dangerous to the pedestrians/motorists needs to be removed permanently within a specified time,” states the notice.

The gaddas selling sugarcane juice, fish, fruits, tea, fast food, and electrical goods and operating as salons, general stores, and vehicle repair garages have been identified along the stretches of major district roads in Malim, Betim, Britona, Reis Magos, and Porvorim.

“From the centre of the existing road, the RoW shall cover a distance of 15.5m (including footpath). It may be noted that these structures at present lie within RoW. The land acquisition process is ongoing, and completion will likely take longer. After the acquisition process is completed, road widening is likely to begin. As such, it is pertinent that the land is vacated of all the encroachments,” the notice states.