Staff Reporter
Panaji
The state government on Wednesday assured the High Court of Bombay at Goa that a concrete action plan will soon be submitted before it to tackle the illegal constructions across the state.
The government made the submission with regard to the hearing on the suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by the court on the illegal constructions. The government said it is currently reviewing the court’s order.
The state government, along with various panchayats and municipalities, sought additional time to file their compliance reports before the high court, which has given the panchayats and municipalities time till June 12. Taking note of the request, the high court adjourned the hearing to June 13.
The court said that the municipalities and panchayats shall carry out regular periodical demolition drives after following the procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court in the case of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation v. Nawab Khan Gulab Khan and Ors [(1997) 11 SCC 121].
The court said that the Chief Secretary of Goa shall work out modalities for conducting such demolition drives and issue appropriate directions to the municipalities/panchayats.
The court also instructed that municipal engineers shall conduct survey of illegal constructions within their jurisdiction, every month, and prepare a report. Such a report shall be submitted to the chief officer, who shall take action against such illegal constructions, the court has said.
The high court also said that secretaries of panchayats shall conduct survey of illegal constructions every month and prepare a report. Such a report shall be submitted to the panchayat, which shall take action against such illegal constructions as indicated in this order, the court said.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam and Amicus Curiae Vithal Naik made detailed submissions on the entire legal framework that governs, controls and regulates the construction of buildings, structures and land development in Goa.
They pointed out that illegal constructions are mushrooming in the state. They submitted that such illegal constructions are highly detrimental to the environment and land development in the state.
