MAPUSA
In a move towards clearing encroachments and preparing for road widening, the Public Works Department (PWD), Division XIII, has issued a public notice announcing the removal of unauthorised stalls and gaddas that have encroached upon the Right of Way (ROW) in Penha de França village.
The action follows directions from the High Court in connection with Suo Moto PIL No 3 of 2024. The structures fall within Survey Nos 62/0 and 76/0 of Village Panchayat Penha de França and lie directly on land earmarked for road expansion.
According to the notice issued by the Executive Engineer of PWD Division XIII, the road in question is a designated Major District Road, with a 15.5-metre ROW from the centre of the existing road, including footpaths.
A total of 66 structures – spanning Penha de França, Betim, Malim, Britona and Reis Magos – have been identified as unauthorised and obstructive.
These structures are said to pose risks to both pedestrians and motorists, and are considered a public nuisance, as per the High Court's directive mandating their permanent removal.
"The aim of the notice is to inform encroachers of the government’s road-widening plans and the impending action," the Executive Engineer stated.
The land acquisition process is currently underway, and once completed, road widening work will commence immediately.
"It is therefore imperative that the land is cleared of all encroachments beforehand," the notice emphasised.
Further, the PWD has requested support and coordination from local administrative bodies, including the Mamlatdar of Bardez, Deputy Collector, SDM and SDO I & II in Mapusa, as well as the Village Panchayat of Penha de França.
These offices have been asked to provide updates on any pending litigation related to the encroachments and to clarify whether removal will be handled locally or require intervention by the PWD.
The secretary and sarpanch of the village panchayat Penha de França have also been formally requested to work in coordination with the PWD to facilitate the clearance process.
Importantly, the PWD has warned that any additional unauthorised stalls or gaddas found within the ROW on the said survey numbers – beyond the 66 already identified – will also be subject to removal.
The department has set April 30, 2025, as the deadline for the clearance of all offending structures, as per the office orders and government circulars under which the action is being carried out.
This move marks a major step towards infrastructure development in the Bardez but also sets the stage for possible resistance from affected vendors and stakeholders. However, officials maintain that the action is in the public interest and mandated by the court.
