Second demolition order against structure in last three years
The illegal shed outside Cuncolim IDC.
MARGAO
In a significant development, the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) on Thursday ordered the demolition of a massive shed erected by M/s Global Ispat Ltd outside the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, bringing to a close over two years of proceedings initiated following public complaints.
The demolition order was issued by Cuncolim Municipal Chief Officer Vimod Dalal under the provisions of the Goa Municipalities Act, acting on complaints filed by social activist Aviraj Desai and the Sociedade de Cuncolim. The case has been under scrutiny for more than two years, with allegations of unauthorized construction on land not permitted for such use.
This marks the second demolition order against the structure in the last three years. Earlier, Margao Deputy Collector-II Ravishekar Nipanekar had directed the company to dismantle the entire shed and restore the land to its original condition under the Land Revenue Code. However, that order was challenged by the company before the Administrative Tribunal, delaying enforcement.
In his latest order, Dalal has granted the company a specific timeframe to voluntarily demolish the structure. He warned that failure to comply would prompt the CMC to undertake the demolition itself and recover the associated costs from the company.
Reacting to the development, social activist Aviraj Desai welcomed the move, stating that justice had finally prevailed.
“The company had constructed the shed without obtaining any permission from the Cuncolim Municipal Council. Moreover, the land belongs to the Sociedade de Cuncolim e Veroda, making the entire structure illegal,” he said.
Desai also acknowledged the support extended by Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who consistently raised the issue both within the State Assembly and in public forums.
“Residents of Cuncolim had been protesting against this illegal structure ever since it came up beyond the boundary limits of the industrial estate. We hope the structure is demolished at the earliest, serving as both a lesson and a deterrent to others indulging in similar violations at the Cuncolim IDC,” Desai added.
