PANAJI
In yet another action against illegal structures, the Office of Deputy Collector in Ponda has ordered “to remove” two kiosks allegedly illegally operating from government land within a specific time frame failing which the Public Works Department is directed to demolish the encroachment.
The order by Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Officer Suyash Khandeparkar comes in response to a complaint filed by some Khandepar villagers, the local panchayat and the executive engineer (PWD) at Ponda.
The complainants alleged that the two illegal kiosks owned by Dnyaneshwar Naik and Damodar Naik are operating on the land acquired by the government. Also, these posed a high risk to the lives of students of a nearby school who faced hindrance while waiting for their buses and vehicles.
The matter, almost a year and half old since local authorities took action, was extensively heard in the Office of the Deputy Collector followed by the order on Friday directing the razing of the illegal kiosks. It stated that the respondents should not continue to occupy the area belonging to the government.
“The respondent is directed to remove the encroachment on Government land carried out by them within a period of 10 days from the date of passing of the order, failing which the EE PWD under section (6) of Goa Land prohibition of Construction Act, 1995 shall be at livery to demolish the encroachment in land acquired by the department by using reasonable force and if need by procuring the services of the demolition squad,” the order stated.
The Village Panchayat of Curti-Khandepar is also directed to cancel the provision NOC issued on November 30, 2011 as well as the establishment trade license issued on February 16, 2021 to operate on the said property.
The illegal structures, particularly in the northern coastal belt have recently come under scanner with the Court also directing demolition of these establishments operating without following the mandatory law.
