Digital Goa, Mar 27 – Goa government has initiated the process of issuing notices to roadside commercial establishments operating in illegal temporary or permanent structures within 20-meter setback of National and State Highways, directing them shift within 15 days. This action is in compliance with a High Court order, CM Sawant informed the media. “Govt is not issuing these orders on its own. They are being issued in compliance with High Court order,” he said. CM made the announcement after chairing a High-Powered Committee meeting alongside the Revenue, Environment, and Tourism Minister & Advocate General (AG).
New illegal constructions will not be permitted
Sawant further stated that strict instructions have been issued to prevent any new illegal constructions on government and Communidade land or along roadsides. Citizens can dial 100 to report illegal structures, and officials such as the Dy Collector, Talathi, and Panchayat Secretary have been directed to initiate action and directly inform the court about violations and the action taken. Study underway to address irregular structures
Regarding houses and constructions on government and Communidade land, government has initiated a study. “While irregular structures may be regularised, illegal constructions will not be permitted,” Sawant asserted.
HC’s March 6 order has directed the government to take phased action against illegal constructions, starting with roadside structures. Accordingly, the Panchayat and Municipal Administration departments have issued notices to their officials to initiate action. The High Court has classified illegal constructions into five categories for enforcement action. The first category includes illegal structures along roadsides, highways, or major roads in municipal areas, while the second covers similar constructions in panchayat areas. The third category consists of illegal commercial structures in panchayat areas, and the fourth includes such structures in municipal areas and the fifth category pertains to illegal constructions in paddy fields.
