Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The South Goa Advocates Association has flagged prolonged delays in land-related proceedings and called for changes in the way survey applications are handled across government offices in the district.
In a memorandum submitted to the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, the Association has proposed a series of measures aimed at reducing pendency and making the process less cumbersome for citizens and legal practitioners.
One of its key demands is that respondents must receive notices within 14 days of an application being submitted for partition, amalgamation or demarcation. Association president Antonio Clovis Da Costa said the absence of timely action at the initial stage often holds up cases before they can proceed to hearings.
The Association has also recommended a uniform set of procedures for survey-related applications, along with special camps to take up accumulated cases and bring down the backlog.
Another proposal is to introduce an online facility through which applicants and advocates can follow the status of their cases. Electronic communication of notices and updates has also been suggested wherever permitted under the law.
The representation highlights difficulties faced by people dealing with ISLR and City Survey offices in Margao, Canacona, Vasco, Quepem and Sanguem. According to the Association, repeated visits to obtain notices, respond to objections and seek application updates have added to the burden on litigants and advocates.
Seeking accountability for the delays, the Association has called for a departmental inquiry led by a senior officer to examine pending cases, particularly those relating to partition and amalgamation at the Margao offices. It has also sought appropriate action against officials found responsible for avoidable delays.
The Association maintains that clear timelines, transparent procedures and effective monitoring are essential to ensure that land survey services are delivered without unnecessary delays.
