Team Goemkarponn
ALDONA: Illegal land filling, hill cutting, and construction activities in the ecologically sensitive paddy fields of Carona, Aldona (Survey No. 209/3) have sparked outrage, with ex-MLA Glen Souza Ticlo and complainant Thomas Tavaser demanding strict action.
The property in question, which falls under the Regional Plan for Goa 2021 as a paddy field within 100 meters of a creek, has allegedly been converted illegally without a conversion sanad. Furthermore, a double-storey bungalow has been constructed in violation of CRZ norms, with mangroves reportedly cleared along the Mapusa Tar River.
Despite multiple complaints by concerned citizens, authorities have failed to take any concrete action against the violators. However, a stop notice under Section 64/J of the GPR Act, 1994, has now been issued to Subhash Sitaram Palni, directing him to halt construction immediately and produce legal approvals within three days.
The case has gained momentum following a Bombay High Court order dated 06/03/2025 (PIL Suo Motu No. 3 of 2024), which categorized illegal constructions in paddy fields for strict enforcement. The Carona case falls under the Fifth Category—Illegal Construction in Paddy Fields, which mandates demolition and restoration of the land.
Ex-MLA Glen Souza Ticlo and Thomas Tavaser have warned that if authorities fail to act, they will file a contempt petition against the concerned departments.
Will the Goa government enforce the court’s directives, or will yet another violation be ignored? All eyes are now on the enforcement agencies as citizens demand urgent action.
