Action against 1.5k illegal structures in North Goa, 3k cases in South, govt tells HC

Panaji: Govt has initiated action against 1,506 illegal structures on paddy fields, govt land, and tenanted land in North Goa, and there are over 3,000 such cases in South Goa, the high court was told on Thursday. The HC has granted two weeks to the director of panchayats and municipalities and other parties to submit affidavits on the action taken against illegal constructions and encroachments, advocate general Devidas Pangam said.

Based on the affidavits, the amicus curiae in the matter, advocate Vithal Naik, will give his comments and thereafter, the HC will take up the matter for further consideration, Pangam said.

In the affidavit, the North Goa collector told the HC the majority of illegal structures and encroachments against which action was initiated are on tenanted land, most of which — 614 — are in Pernem taluka.

Of the 1,506 illegal structures in North Goa, 914 are on tenanted land, 315 on paddy fields, and 277 on govt land, collector Ankit Yadav submitted to the court.

In South Goa, of the 3,000+ illegal structures and encroachments, the majority are in Salcete, followed by Ponda, South Goa collector Egna Cleetus submitted to the HC.

In compliance with the HC directions, taluka-level flying squads have been constituted to act upon complaints of illegal construction, landfilling, and hill cutting, the collectors submitted to the HC.

They added that WhatsApp helpline numbers have been provided for each taluka’s flying squads to receive complaints with photographic or video evidence and location, and this has been publicised for public awareness.

A memorandum has also been issued specifying the timeline and flow of action for conducting time-bound inspections and submitting reports concerning illegal constructions, the North Goa collector stated.

The collector added that all field officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance, including the initiation of demolition proceedings, cancellation of trade licences, sealing of unauthorised structures, and monthly reporting to the HC.

The South Goa collector stated that disciplinary action will be initiated against any officer found to be negligent in the performance of their duties in complying with HC directions.

The HC in March criticised state govt for allowing “unbridled and illegal constructions” across the state and issued several directions to control the menace.

“Goa has blessed us with a delightful nature which needs to be cared for and protected. The fragile ecosystem of Goa ought to be protected,” a division bench of justices M S Karnik and Nivedita Mehta told govt. “Open spaces are encroached upon. Paddy fields are being converted without any permission. Roads and road-widening areas are encroached upon without any authority of law. Illegal constructions are also put up in no-development zones.”

The court added, “The competent authorities either do not take action against such illegal activities or avoid taking such actions.”