PANAJI
The extension was granted, despite the state government seeking another eighteen months saying that it had some way to go before the exercise can be completed.
State of Goa filed affidavit on record showing the work progress, seeking extension of time for completing the entire exercise of identification of ‘forest like area’ in the State of Goa.
The counsel for Goa government submitted that there has been delay in completion of identification process due to various reasons and another eighteen (18) months’ time would be required to complete the process of identification of ‘forest like area’ in both South Goa and North Goa.
However, the petitioners, Goa Foundation objected to the grant in extension of time and instead submitted for an extension of shorter time for the purpose.
“Since identification work in North Goa is complete, as per the submission the state government, and in South Goa 70% work is over, extension of another six months excluding the monsoon, is justified,” the Goa Foundation submitted.
Taking a middle path, the Tribunal granted time is granted up to March, 2018 by which time the state government will be expected to place on record an affidavit of completing the work of demarcation and file a report.
