OLD GOA
The Old Goa panchayat at its fortnightly meeting on Tuesday unanimously resolved to issue a demolition order to the controversial structure which has come up within heritage precincts of the St Cajetan Church.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, panch Vishwas Kuttikar informed that the demolition order, which will be issued in two days, will direct the owner to demolish the structure within 15 days, failing which the panchayat will approach the deputy collector for requisition of demolition squad to raze the structure.
“If the owner fails to demolish the structure on his own cost within 15 days, then we will requisition the demolition squad to raze the same as per the procedure,” Kuttikar stated.
When questioned by The Goan whether the panchayat is ready to face a legal battle in case the party challenges the demolition order in the Director of Panchayats or the courts, Kuttikar said, “The panchayat is ready to fight a legal battle as and when the situation calls for.”
“Earlier, we had issued a show-cause notice to the owner, which, however, returned stating that the owner had changed address.”
“However, we have found out two more addresses of the owner and the demolition order will be posted at the new addresses. Also, the order will be posted at the construction site,” Kuttikar added.
He, however, said the panchayat authorities have collectively taken the issue to this stage and nobody should try to take political mileage as the issue is public.
Deputy Sarpanch Archita Painginkar chaired the meeting in the absence of Sarpanch Janita Madkaikar, who is contesting assembly elections.
All other panchas remained present, including Vishwas Kuttikar, Meghasham Parvatkar, Tulsidas Kavlekar, Nilkanth Bhomkar, Namrata Bhomkar, Vishal Volvoikar and Pradnya Phadte.
