Goemkarponn desk
MAPUSA: The Vice-Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Viraj Phadke said that the council will keep its on hold anti-encroachment drive for two days and resume the drive with renewed vigour after taking legal opinion over the order on stay granted by the Director of Municipal Administration.
“Even if the DMA has stayed the anti-encroachment drive, then his order cannot supersede the order of the High Court against encroachments of footpaths and open spaces,” he said.
He admitted that panchanama or inventory has to be carried out when the material is confiscated from within the premises of the shopkeepers and stall owners.
“We don’t have to do panchanama about material stored on footpaths. It’s an illegal act, and we can confiscate the material in any way,” he said.
The DMA had stayed the ongoing anti-encroachment drive of the Mapusa civic body for not following proper procedure.
The DMA had directed the Chief Officer to refrain from seizing any goods or articles from shop or stall owners until a final decision was made.
The MMC had started its anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday last week, seizing goods and items on footpaths and road-widening areas. The drive had brought much cheer to the common men, hoping it would bring much discipline in the market.
