PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday ordered the constitution of a four-member committee to ensure the implementation of the orders passed by the Anjuna panchayat against illegal constructions that have sprouted along the coast.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam told reporters that the panchayat has identified 26 structures out of a total of 275 structures as illegal and has issued either stop work orders or cease and desist orders to commercial establishments.
“The Anjuna panchayat produced a report that 26 illegal constructions have been identified and they have been issued notices -- that the work should be stopped and that in those who have already been constructed, commercial activities should not take place there,” Adv Pangam said.
“The HC has further directed that in order to ensure proper implementation of these orders, they have constituted a committee under the BDO (Block Development Officer) -- and consisting of the BDO, Police Inspector, Panchayat Secretary and Sarpanch -- a four-member committee and this four-member committee should implement the orders. Strict orders have been issued in that regard,” he added.
“The HC has also directed that some illegal shacks that have come up on the beach, not permitted by the tourism department, should also be acted against,” he said.
The remaining structures will be issued show cause notices and some have already been issued. Depending on their reply to the show cause notice and verifying their documents, the panchayat will have to pass a separate order in each case.
The High Court, which is hearing a suo motu public interest litigation against the illegal constructions along the coast had ordered a joint inspection which found that there were around 275 structures that were “prima facie illegal” and included a metal framework standing on a cement plinth.
