Local bodies must submit compliance reports on action taken by August 18
PANAJI
In the suo motu PIL concerning illegal constructions across Goa, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday granted a final six weeks extension to panchayats and municipalities to file compliance reports on the action initiated so far.
When the petition came up for hearing, several panchayats and municipalities sought additional time to file the compliance. Agreeing to their request, the Court granted final opportunity to the respondents.
“Court has granted six weeks’ time to all the local bodies to submit the compliance report on the action initiated against the illegal constructions within their jurisdiction. The Court has clearly said that this will be the final opportunity,” Advocate General Devidas Pangam told reporters.
The matter is now listed on August 18 for further hearing.
The Court had earlier granted time till April 12 to the local bodies and the government to submit their action taken report. The deadline was further extended to June 13 and later to July 8.
The division bench in March had criticised the State government for allowing “unbridled and illegal constructions” across the State and issued several directions to control the menace.
In its order, the Court had observed that Goa’s fragile ecosystem ought to be protected. The HC observed that “wholesale change of the landscape in the State of Goa” has occurred because of “such wide and rampant illegal constructions without any authority of law” and that the time had come to curtail and remove the constructions.
“Open spaces are encroached upon. Paddy fields are being converted without any permission. Roads and road-widening areas are encroached upon without any authority of law. Illegal constructions are also put up in no-development zones,” the Court had said.
In compliance with the HC directions, taluka-level flying squads were constituted to act upon complaints of illegal construction, landfilling, and hill cutting.
The Court was also informed that disciplinary action will be initiated against any officer found to be negligent in the performance of their duties in complying with HC directions.
