THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Bringing an end to weeks of administrative gridlock and high-stakes legal scrutiny, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Tuesday completed the demolition of the ‘Murgaoncha Raja’ pandal structure at Headland-Sada.
The drive was conducted in a peaceful manner following extensive dialogue with the mandal committee members to maintain law and order.
The operation comes against the backdrop of a strict judicial mandate. The High Court of Bombay at Goa had previously directed the civic body to remove the shed by September 30. However, action was deferred earlier due to mounting public resistance and law-and-order concerns.
Following administrative delays and equipment issues cited by the MMC, the High Court issued a stern warning on Monday, giving the Chief Officer time until Wednesday to execute the demolition or face formal contempt proceedings.
Early Tuesday morning, a heavy police contingent was deployed at the spot under the supervision of senior officers.
To avoid untoward incidents or excessive force, MMC staff accompanied by officials engaged in discussions with the committee members. The municipal team patiently explained the legal implications and the necessity of abiding by judicial mandates, ultimately convincing the mandal members to assist the workers in taking down the structure.
Dismantling work continued throughout the day, and by late evening, the entire pandal was brought down.
Speaking to reporters following an on-site inspection, MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik commended the collective coordination that prevented a volatile situation. He appreciated the efforts of elected representatives, municipal staff, committee members, and the police department for executing the drive peacefully.
"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 stated.
"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.
Detailing the administrative steps taken following Monday's court developments, Naik added: "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."
Naik confirmed that municipal staff maintained a continuous presence to monitor progress and that a comprehensive compliance report will be prepared for submission to the High Court. He acknowledged the South Goa Superintendent of Police and the SDPO for deploying police forces to maintain order during the delicate operation.
In the end, despite early fears of escalation and the heavy police deployment stationed throughout the area, the entire operation concluded without a single untoward incident. The committee members actively assisted the municipal workforce in clearing the venue, bringing a calm and peaceful closure to a sensitive issue that had held the port town on edge for weeks.
