Team Goemkarponn
Calangute: The Village Panchayat of Calangute on Monday carried out the demolition of three illegal structures in Sy. No. 242/1, following a court-directed order dating back to December 22, 2011. The action, conducted under Section 66 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, involved the removal of wells, a kitchen, and solar water tanks.
The structures were demolished after the petitioner failed to produce mandatory documents, including approved building plans, construction licenses, or occupancy certificates. Panchayat records indicate that a show cause notice was initially served in August 2011. After reviewing the response, the Panchayat deemed it unsatisfactory and passed a resolution to proceed with demolition.
A subsequent inspection on April 8, 2025, revealed that the illegal structures were still in place, contradicting prior claims of their removal. In response, the Panchayat submitted a requisition to the Block Development Officer (BDO), Bardez, on April 30, 2025, seeking deployment of a demolition squad.
Despite objections from the concerned parties, including references to a 2020 court case (PILWP No. 4/2020), the Court upheld the demolition order, citing the ongoing illegality of the constructions and the absence of requisite approvals.
Officials confirmed that the demolition was executed peacefully under official supervision.
The move is part of a larger crackdown by local authorities aimed at curbing unauthorized construction along Goa’s coastal belt and enforcing planning and zoning regulations.
