Bombay High Court Issues Strict Deadline for Goa Illegal Structure Compliance Reports
In a significant development concerning illegal constructions across Goa, the Bombay High Court has taken decisive action through a suo motu petition. The court has granted a strict four-week deadline to two appointed nodal officers representing panchayats and municipalities across the state.
Court's Directive for Compliance Reports
The bench, comprising Justices Suman Shyam and Amit Jamsandekar, has mandated that these officers must submit detailed compliance reports within this timeframe. These reports must comprehensively document all actions taken by local bodies against illegal structures specifically located on roadsides, highways, and major roads within both panchayat and municipal jurisdictions.
"Goa is a paradise. It should look like a paradise," the bench orally observed during the hearing, emphasizing the importance of preserving the state's aesthetic and legal integrity. This statement underscores the court's commitment to addressing the proliferation of unauthorized constructions that mar Goa's landscape.
Additional Deadline for Non-Compliant Bodies
Furthermore, the court has issued an additional directive for panchayats and municipalities that have failed to submit their compliance reports previously. These local bodies have been given a shorter, one-week deadline to file their overdue reports, ensuring that all entities are held accountable.
Focus on Roadside Structures First
Following the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam provided clarification on the court's strategic approach. He explained that the High Court intends to initially concentrate on structures abutting roads before expanding its focus to illegal constructions on both private and government lands. This phased methodology aims to systematically address the widespread issue.
Role of Nodal Officers in Scrutiny
The two nodal officers—the Deputy Director of Municipal Administration and the Extension Officer of the Directorate of Panchayats—have been tasked with a critical responsibility. They are required to meticulously scrutinize the compliance reports submitted by various panchayats and municipalities. Their analysis must determine the extent of work undertaken by these local bodies to demolish illegal roadside structures.
Background of the Court's Intervention
This directive follows the High Court's appointment of these nodal officers last month. The appointment was necessitated by the voluminous nature of compliance reports prepared by local bodies, which made individual review impractical. The suo motu petition addresses illegal structures across Goa comprehensively, and the nodal officers' role is to verify adherence to the court's orders through detailed examination of municipal and panchayat reports.
The court's proactive stance highlights a concerted effort to enforce regulatory compliance and preserve Goa's environmental and urban planning standards. The upcoming reports will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of local governance in tackling unauthorized constructions.
