Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Bringing an end to weeks of administrative gridlock and legal scrutiny, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Tuesday completed the demolition of the controversial ‘Murgaoncha Raja’ pandal at Headland-Sada. The operation was carried out peacefully following extensive discussions between municipal officials and mandal committee members to maintain law and order.
The demolition came against the backdrop of a strict judicial mandate. The High Court of Bombay at Goa had earlier directed the civic body to remove the unauthorised shed by September 30. However, the action was deferred due to mounting public resistance and concerns over a possible law-and-order situation.
Following administrative delays and equipment-related issues cited by the municipality, the High Court on Monday issued a stern warning, directing the Chief Officer to complete the demolition before Wednesday or face formal contempt proceedings.
Early Tuesday morning, tense moments prevailed at Headland-Sada as a heavy police contingent was deployed under the supervision of senior officers. To avoid any untoward incident or excessive use of force, MMC officials and staff engaged in detailed discussions with the committee members.
The municipal team explained the legal implications and the need to comply with the court’s directive. Following the discussions, the mandal members agreed to cooperate with the authorities and assisted municipal workers in dismantling the structure.
The demolition continued throughout the day, and by late evening, the entire pandal had been brought down.
Speaking to reporters after an on-site inspection, MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik praised the coordination between the administration, police, elected representatives, municipal staff and committee members, which helped prevent the situation from turning volatile.
“It was an issue of sentiments, and we faced push and pull from various angles as seen in the past. Nevertheless, we explained the implications that could take place to the committee,” Naik said. “We suggested the reality of the situation and outlined the next course of action. The members of the committee accepted our views, and ultimately, it is the rule of law that needs to prevail.”
Naik described the operation as an important administrative experience in dealing with sensitive situations that could potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Detailing the steps taken after Monday’s court proceedings, Naik said the municipality began the demolition process on Tuesday morning in compliance with the court’s direction.
“We had to balance all parties and pacified the locals and committee using all means to avoid any excessive force. Maintaining peace in such a sensitive matter was our priority,” he said.
Naik confirmed that municipal staff remained present throughout the operation to monitor the progress and that a comprehensive compliance report would be prepared for submission to the High Court.
He also acknowledged the South Goa Superintendent of Police and the SDPO for deploying adequate police personnel to maintain law and order during the sensitive operation.
Despite initial fears of escalation and the heavy police presence in the area, the demolition concluded without any untoward incident. Committee members actively assisted the municipal workforce in clearing the site, bringing a peaceful end to a sensitive issue that had kept the port town on edge for several weeks.
