Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government is preparing to introduce a legislation in the upcoming Assembly session aimed at regularising thousands of unauthorised homes and structures constructed on government and comunidade lands across the state.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho confirmed the development during a discussion on Local Media’s programme.
Citing humanitarian concerns and legal precedents, Godinho said the move is necessary and in line with the directions issued by the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
“The Chief Minister has assured that a Bill will be brought in this session. All ministers are on board,” Godinho stated, adding that an earlier attempt to bring in an ordinance had nearly reached finalisation.
Addressing the growing calls for demolition of illegal structures, the minister questioned the practicality and morality of uprooting families who have lived in these homes for decades. “Some of these families have been residing there for three generations. Should we demolish their homes without offering a legal route? Courts have never called for indiscriminate demolition but have allowed for regularisation through proper legal channels,” he asserted.
The government’s move comes amid heightened judicial monitoring following strong criticism by the High Court in March over unchecked illegal constructions in the state. The Court had slammed the authorities for failing to curb the “menace” and directed prompt action.
In its response to the Court, the State government reported action against 1,506 illegal structures in North Goa located on paddy fields, tenanted lands, and government properties. In South Goa, over 3,000 similar violations have been flagged.
Godinho categorised the unauthorised dwellings into three types: constructions on private land without permission, on comunidade land, and on government-owned land. He pointed out that some cases have already undergone legalisation through appropriate procedures.
Estimates indicate that over 30,000 to 35,000 homes are located on comunidade lands, and an additional 5,000 to 10,000 exist on government land. Structures on private plots without approval may push the total figure even higher.
“The scale of this issue is enormous. What are the options before us? Either continue with demolitions or frame a law that provides a legal path for regularisation,” Godinho said.
He also warned against repeating the chaos seen during previous demolition drives, saying such actions come with significant social fallout. “We must consider the human dimension. Evicting entire communities is not a solution,” he added.
