Digital Goa, July 25 – The Goa government has issued three circulars aimed at protecting over one lakh houses built before 1972, which are currently facing demolition due to a High Court order. CM Pramod Sawant, addressing the media after a cabinet meeting, announced that any house marked on the 1972 survey map or Form I & XIV will be eligible for a certificate from the Deputy Collector and the Panchayat/Municipality declaring the structure as legal, provided the applicant submits basic documents such as electricity or water bills. The application process will commence on August 1, 2025, and the certificates will be issued within seven days of submission. The Deputy Collector will certify that the structure is located in a settlement zone, eliminating the need for a fresh sanad (land conversion certificate) for any new construction, the CM said. The Panchayat Secretary or Municipal Chief Officer will certify that the house is assessed for tax and is considered legal. “With these certificates, all pre-1972 houses will be protected, and there is no need for any new law,” CM Sawant asserted.
