PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the government is considering bringing an ordinance to regularise irregular land holdings subject to strict compliance with High Court directives.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a high-level meeting with ministers, the chief secretary and officials on the demolition order by the high court, the CM also warned that illegal structures, including on government land won’t be spared.
“We are exploring the option of an ordinance to bring irregular land holdings into the legal fold. However, this will be done strictly as per the High Court’s directions,” he said, adding,
“No illegal construction will be tolerated. District collectors have been asked to act in line with the court’s orders, including the removal of unauthorised structures if necessary.”
On the other hand, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate clarified that the High Court has not yet ordered action against illegal structures. “The High Court has only asked for a report at this stage. There is no directive to demolish any structures yet,” he said. The minister also noted that the government has already decided to clear encroachments on land acquired for road widening.
Over a week ago, Sawant had warned that any new illegal construction would have administrative consequences. “If any fresh illegal structure comes up, it will be reflected in the confidential report of the concerned officer,” he was quoted as saying.
The CM had also provided an update on the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Constructions Act, noting that only 2,000 of the 10,000 applications received have been approved so far. “The rest are pending due to technical issues,” he explained. “We will give a chance for irregular constructions to be regularised, but illegalities will not be spared.”
