MAPUSA
Following the last week’s demolition of 31 illegal houses on comunidade land acquired by the government in Cunchelim, Mapusa, the Administrator of Comunidade North Goa, Pandurang Gad has now issued show-cause notices to occupants of unauthorized structures on approximately 1.40 square kilometres of comunidade land in Cunchelim.
The notices, served on Monday, direct the occupants to respond within 15 days, explaining why action should not be initiated under Article 371 of the Code of Comunidade, 1961 and Section 6 of The Goa Land (Prohibition on Construction) Act, 1995.
“You are directed to show cause as to why action should not be taken for carrying out illegal construction/encroachment on comunidade land,” the notice stated.
The Administrator highlighted that illegal constructions have been carried out on land belonging to the comunidade of Cunchelim, identified in PT Sheet No. 1, Chalta No. 10/3 (53,325 sq. m) and PT Sheet No. 2, Chalta No. 11/1 (90,800 sq. m). These activities are in direct violation of the Code of Comunidade, 1961 and the Goa Land (Prohibition on Construction) Act, 1995.
The notice warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time would result in the matter being decided ex-parte.
This action comes soon after the Deputy Collector of Bardez, Kabir Shirgaonkar, issued notices earlier this month to 36 occupants who had built houses illegally on the government-acquired comunidade land in Cunchelim. Following the notice, 31 houses were demolished on November 12.
The remaining structures received temporary reprieve from the High Court, with demolitions expected within six weeks.
This action signals the authorities' commitment to protecting comunidade lands and upholding laws against illegal encroachments.
