MARGAO
The PWD, Roads is believed to have decided to get back to the panchayats, saying the agency will identify the illegal encroachments on the government acquired land and provide details of encroachment carried out on the land in question.
As far as the structures located in the setback areas along the roadsides is concerned, the PWD, however, has adopted a stand that the office is not the competent authority to fix the setbacks which are to be maintained for any legal construction of structure.
In fact, a PWD official said the Panchayats will be told to approach the concerned authorities for the setbacks to be maintained from the centre / edge of the roads.
“The PWD, Roads do not come in the picture as far as road setbacks are concerned. May be the Panchayats will have to approach agencies such as the Town and Country Planning department for advice and guidance”, the office remarked.
