Panchayat and comunidade demolish unapproved structure
MAPUSA
In a coordinated crackdown on unauthorised structures, authorities on Thursday morning demolished an illegally set-up scrapyard in Parra.
The action, initiated by the Parra panchayat in collaboration with the local comunidade was carried out amid growing complaints from villagers about the scrapyard’s presence in the predominantly residential area.
The structure, which had allegedly come up without obtaining the necessary permissions, was found to be in violation of land use regulations as it was set up on comunidade land earmarked for agricultural or residential purposes.
The demolition was conducted under the supervision of Parra Sarpanch Daniel Lobo, along with comunidade officials and panchayat staff, who were accompanied by police personnel to ensure law and order during the operation.
Sarpanch Daniel Lobo, speaking to the media at the site, said the action was necessary to send a strong message to violators.
“The panchayat had received multiple complaints from locals regarding the nuisance caused by the scrapyard, including environmental concerns and safety hazards. After verifying the violations and taking up the matter with the comunidade, we decided to act swiftly,” Lobo said.
He added that the structure lacked any formal approval from the panchayat or the Town and Country Planning Department and that such illegal operations would not be tolerated in Parra.
The sarpanch stated that the panchayat will not permit scrapyards within its jurisdiction, and with the demolition of the existing one, the village will now be free of such units.
“This action ideally should have been taken by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department or the collector’s office, but we stepped in and did it ourselves. The administration needs to act more firmly to prevent such violations in the future,” he added.
Local residents had reportedly raised concerns over the past several months, pointing to the noise, risk of fire and the unsightly heap of scrap materials that had become an eyesore in the village.
