MAPUSA
The Anjuna Panchayat is poised to submit a compliance report regarding the recent sealing of illegal structures along the Anjuna and Vagator beach belt.
This follows the directives of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, which initially mandated the sealing of 175 unauthorised structures.
The compliance report will detail the actions taken and the current status of these establishments.
Earlier this year, on February 13, 2024, the High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation concerning illegal constructions, ordered the sealing of these commercial establishments.
The court's ruling emphasised that merely possessing house tax receipts, electricity, and water connections does not legalise structures.
The structures in question were operating in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and lacked necessary permissions from various authorities, including the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the Panchayat Raj Act, town planning regulations, and the Health Act.
Block Development Officer (BDO) Bardez, Prathamesh Shankardas, confirmed that the sealing operations have been executed comprehensively.
"The sealing of the establishments was completed in all respects, and most of the units were shut," Shankardas stated.
He further mentioned that the Panchayat Secretary has been tasked with filing the compliance report before the High Court.
Anjuna Sarpanch, Laxmidas Chimulkar, provided additional insights, noting that while 175 structures were initially sealed, some owners subsequently approached the court, resulting in the de-sealing of certain properties.
"Initially, 175 structures were sealed, but later, some owners approached the court and accordingly, their properties were de-sealed," Chimulkar explained.
He clarified that a few establishments had the requisite permissions, while others were de-sealed to permit the owners to demolish the structures.
The High Court's order specifically targeted commercial establishments, including numerous restaurants and lodges that were operating without proper occupancy certificates and clearances.
The court ruled unequivocally that no commercial activities could be conducted from these structures without the necessary legal permissions.
"We have complied with the High Court's directions, and the Secretary will be filing a compliance report on the sealing of the structures," Chimulkar reiterated.
This legal action underscores the ongoing efforts to regulate unauthorised constructions and ensure compliance with environmental and planning regulations along Goa's coastline.
The forthcoming compliance report will provide a detailed account of the steps taken by the Anjuna Panchayat in adherence to the High Court's directives.
