Team Herald
MARGAO: Given the fact that the law is toothless in stopping illegal constructions, the villagers from Chandor Cavorim decided to form a vigilance committee that will monitor the illegal constructions mushrooming in the village and asked the panchayat members to be part of the committee.
Chandor Cavorim Sarpanch Edward D’Silva candidly admitted that the panchayat has to follow procedures laid down by the law and by the time that is done the guilty person namely the person doing the illegal construction gets a stay order against any demolition.
He explained that the panchayat has to issue a stop work order, which has to be followed by a site inspection and after that a show cause notice, and finally has to move the Collector’s office for demolition. However, besides giving the person time to reply to the notices, the panchayat has to take a necessary resolution at its regular body meeting to move forward.
“It is true that after issuing the stop work order the person continues with the construction and sometimes completes the structure after getting a stay on the demolition order,” he said expressing helplessness in doing anything.
Against this backdrop, the villagers decided to form a vigilant committee that will monitor any illegal construction that is brought to the panchayat’s notice.
“The villagers should gather in large numbers and stop any further work being undertaken by the person who has been issued a stop work order,” suggested one villager, which was accepted by all present. Former chairperson of the Garbage Management Committee John Douglas Coutinho suggested the constitution of the vigilance committee.
Tuesday’s meeting was convened by a villager Jerat de Silva and was attended by sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, two panchas both of whom are former sarpanchas, the Cavorim Comunidade president, attorney, former president and some shareholders.
