Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa was updated by state authorities regarding measures taken to address widespread illegal constructions, following earlier directives issued by the court.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the media that the District Collectors of North and South Goa, along with the Directorate of Municipal Administration, have submitted affidavits outlining the steps initiated to curb unauthorized construction activity. However, the Directorate of Panchayats has requested more time to comply. The court has granted a two-week extension for the submission of pending affidavits.
The updates were presented during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning a surge in illegal structures, particularly in no-development areas and agricultural fields. The High Court has previously reprimanded the government over its inaction, warning that continued encroachments are threatening Goa’s ecological and environmental integrity.
Pangam noted that the government is conducting a comprehensive review of irregular structures and that further action will be based on the findings of this exercise.
In a related development, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently chaired a high-level meeting directing both district collectors to act against encroachments, including those on public roads, in line with the court’s March directives.
The matter is now scheduled for further hearing in four weeks, following submission of all affidavits and a review by the Amicus Curiae.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
