PANAJI
Amid the High Court of Bombay at Goa closely monitoring the issue of illegal constructions, the government has further tightened the noose around the menace with fresh directions that no electricity or water supply should be provided to structures without construction and technical clearance certificates.
The government has also directed that an Estate Officer be appointed to maintain close vigil about encroachments on land within their jurisdiction.
“Health Officers shall not issue any permission to supply water and electricity to any structure intended for commercial use in cases where the construction license and technical clearance is not obtained.
Electricity Department shall ensure no new electricity connection shall be released to illegal structures where permissions are not obtained from concerned authorities,” Chief Secretary V Candavelou said, in a recent order.
The government has already empowered the Collectors, Deputy Collectors, Mamlatdars, and Flying Squads to take immediate action against encroachments, illegal landfilling and unauthorized constructions. The CS also stated that the Talathis of the respective Sazas are duty-bound to report such violations for immediate action while Mamlatdars are responsible for filing checklists, and Deputy Collectors must initiate immediate action under the Goa Land Revenue Code.
Despite several enforcement measures, the government conceded that numerous instances of encroachment on government and Comunidade lands, illegal land-filling, and illegal constructions along National and State Highways; as well as in areas earmarked for road widening within panchayat and municipal jurisdictions continue to be reported.
Further, the government acknowledged that authorities responsible for surveillance and enforcement have failed to take appropriate action, which resulted in encroachments and illegal construction.
In view of this, the Chief Secretary reiterated that all concerned officers are strictly instructed to comply with the directives and any encroachments should be promptly identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
So also, strict vigilance has to be ensured that no new encroachments or structures are erected along the national highways, State highways, major and minor district roads, village roads, etc to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
“In the event of any future violations, failure on the part of the designated officers to take timely and appropriate action shall be viewed seriously, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against the responsible officers for dereliction of duty,” it added.
The order comes after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a high level meeting with CS and other senior officers to crack down on illegal constructions including those on highways.
