The demolition squad on Tuesday reportedly demolished seven illegal shops which were along the roadside at Verla Canca circle using a JCB. It may be recalled that just recently several kiosks outside the Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital were demolished in the wee hours of the morning. It may be true that there are several illegal houses and shops that have come up without the proper permissions. But with the state experiencing incessant rains and when we are in the midst of a pandemic, this does not seem the right time to carry out demolition of illegal structures.
In the past too it was observed that the demolition takes place usually during the rainy season. The concerned authorities need to have a humane approach to the occupants of these illegal structures. In all probability notices may have been sent to the concerned persons by the authorities concerning the illegalities. Even then, it would be desirable to carry out the demolition after the monsoon has receded. It is just a matter of a couple of months. Heavens will not fall down if the demolition is postponed to another date.
