MAPUSA
The proposed demolition of encroachments along major roadways in North Goa, scheduled to commence on May 21, may face delays, according to Public Works Department (PWD) officials.
Executive Engineer of PWD Division XIII, Vincent D’Souza, stated that due procedures need to be followed before any demolition activity begins.
“If the owners remove the encroachments on their own, then it's fine. If not, the department will have to take action,” D’Souza said.
When questioned about the likelihood of the anti-encroachment drive beginning on the date specified in the public notice, he responded cautiously: “Can’t say. We will have to see how things pan out.”
Earlier, the PWD had issued a public notice warning that all encroachments “both movable and immovable “ within the Right of Way (ROW) or along the edges of roads in Pernem, Mandrem, Tivim, Siolim, Aldona, Saligao, Calangute, Porvorim and Mapusa would be removed.
The notice follows directives issued by the High Court of Bombay at Goa and a circular from the Principal Chief Engineer and Chief Engineer (NH, R&B), PWD.
While the department appears committed to complying with the court order, the exact timeline for the start of the demolition remains uncertain.
