MAPUSA:
Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar has issued a directive to all village panchayats, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and panchayat secretaries to ensure strict compliance with the recent High Court order on illegal constructions.
In a memorandum addressed to officials, Halarnkar instructed them to thoroughly review the High Court's ruling dated March 6 in PIL No. 3 of 2024 and take necessary action within the prescribed timeline.
“The authorities concerned are directed to carefully examine the court order and initiate appropriate action as per the directions provided,” the memorandum stated.
The High Court has categorised illegal constructions under eight specific classifications for targeted action: On roadside/highway/major road in municipal areas; on roadside/highway/major road in panchayat areas; in panchayat areas being used for commercial purposes; in municipal areas being used for commercial purposes; in paddy fields; on government property; on comunidade property and on tenanted lands.
Halarnkar emphasised that officials must ensure the implementation of the order without fail. The directive comes in response to the High Court’s firm stance on addressing unauthorised constructions across different categories of land, particularly those affecting public infrastructure and agricultural zones.
The compliance measures are expected to significantly curb unauthorised developments and uphold legal land use regulations in both panchayat and municipal areas.
