MAPUSA
The State administration has stepped up action against Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Co-operative Society Ltd, with the Bardez Block Development Officer (BDO) directing the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) to initiate urgent enforcement measures, including cancellation of municipal licences and demolition of alleged unauthorised structures at the government office complex in Morod.
Licence cancellation
In a letter dated October 13, BDO-I Prathamesh Shankardas urged the MMC chief officer and administrator to revoke or cancel any trade licences, occupancy permissions or no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued for the premises occupied by the society. The move is aimed at facilitating the construction of a new integrated government complex at Morod by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).
Encroachment removal
The BDO has also called for the immediate removal and demolition of an alleged unauthorised encroachment measuring 310 square metres. The structure comprises a steel framework covered with asbestos or galvanised iron sheets. The BDO has further sought the society’s eviction to ensure vacant possession of the government land.
Expired lease
According to the letter, the premises, identified as Shed No 90/13 and bearing Municipal Licence No. T/0/2078, were leased to the society by the Directorate of Panchayats under an agreement dated April 15, 2016.
The BDO stated that the lease expired on November 12, 2017, and was neither renewed nor extended by the competent authority, rendering the society’s continued occupation unauthorised.
Site inspection
The letter also refers to a joint site inspection conducted on January 16, 2024, by the Inspector of Survey and Land Records, City Survey Mapusa, and the BDO’s engineering staff. The inspection reportedly found that the authorised built-up area measured 280 square metres, while an additional 310 square metres had been enclosed without the requisite statutory permissions, building licences or approvals.
Project urgency
The BDO said GSIDC had informed his office in July this year that the entire plot, including the occupied structure, fell within the project site. Vacant possession was urgently required to facilitate site clearance, demolition and construction.
A notice directing the society to hand over possession was issued on August 19. In its reply dated September 3, the society reportedly sought permission to continue occupying the premises, citing correspondence from 2010. However, the BDO maintained that the earlier correspondence could not override the present public requirement.
The MMC has now been asked to expedite enforcement measures and facilitate the handover of the land to GSIDC for the proposed government complex.
