the goan I network
CANACONA
In an unusual development, the Agonda panchayat has issued a ‘demolition notice’ to its Deputy Sarpanch Abel Borges in connection with a house illegally constructed in the village.
The notice issued by the Panchayat Secretary on May 25 directed Borges to demolish the newly constructed illegal structure in Agonda within 15 days of receipt of notice, failing which the panchayat shall take necessary action and charges required for demolition shall be recovered from him.
The panchayat secretary had stated in the notice that Ferdinand Fernandes had lodged a complaint with the panchayat on November 4, 2017, alleging that Borges “had undertaken construction of a new structure in Agonda village which is illegal.”
Acting on the complaint, the secretary said a stop work notice was issued on November 29, 2017 and noted that Borges had stated in his reply that ownership of land dispute was pending before various authorities.
“At the instance of the complainant, the BDO inspected the site and submitted an inspection report supported by panchanama plan/sketch showing the old and new structures,” said the secretary, adding that the report was submitted to the panchayat for necessary action.
Upon receipt of a memorandum from the Dy Director of Panchayats, the panchayat issued a notice, dated March 28, directing Borges “to show cause as to why the action of demolition shall not be initiated, pertaining to the newly constructed structure...”
The secretary noted that Borges had filed a reply on April 10 in response to the notice, but added, “no documents have been produced pertaining to the illegal structure referred in the inspection report prepared by the BDO of Canacona.”
The secretary said the issue was then discussed in the panchayat meeting on April 30 and it was decided to take action as per Panchayat Raj Act.
The panchayat secretary has now directed Borges “to demolish the illegal structure within 15 days of receipt of notice, failing which the panchayat shall proceed as per the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act” and charges for demolition of said structure shall be recovered from him.
