Authorities have initiated the demolition of illegal structures in Sangolda amidst tense moments, with heightened police force. This action follows the High Court of Bombay at Goa's dismissal of a petition on February 6, 2024, filed by owners of the contested houses seeking extensions to delay the demolition.
Despite their request for two hours' respite being denied, tensions surged between residents and law enforcement.
Emotions ran high as residents pleaded with authorities for additional time, only to be met with continued demolition, disregarding their appeals. "We built our home with our hard-earned money. As a fisherman, I have spent years in the water to build a roof over my head. Why did they even give us a license? How will I wed my daughter now? The government turned us homeless; now we have nowhere to go," wept one affected person.
Locals expressed sorrow, claiming promises of relocation were unfulfilled. "They didn’t even give us a different place; they should at least give us money now. We have been living here for more than 30 years," emphasised a woman affected by the demolition.
Further aggravating tensions, another resident highlighted the lack of time provided to retrieve personal belongings. "We only asked them for two hours to clear our stuff, but they didn’t even give us that," said a dejected resident.
Notably, no political figures were present at the demolition site, drawing criticism from the affected persons. "They only come here when they want votes. If our area is illegal, then there are many across Goa; they should demolish those as well," said another resident.
