Court seeks reply in constructions on Candolim agro land

PANJIM, MARCH 6
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Friday directed the Chief Secretary and ten others to file affidavit in person with regard to petition filed alleging constructions being allowed on agricultural tenanted land in Candolim.
In response to a petition filed by one John Sequeira, the Division Bench headed by Justice F I Rebello directed the Calangute MLA, Chief Secretary, Director of Panchayat, Deputy Director of Panchayat, Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, Town and Country Planning Board, Deputy Collector of Mapusa, Assistant Engineer Div V (Electricity Department), executive engineer works division PWD, Candolim panchayat and Lawrence Fernandes, ex-sarpanch of Candolim panchayat, to file affidavits within four weeks.
Their affidavits will have to specify whether the constructions exist on the subject land and whether they have necessary permissions.
According to petitioner several houses have been constructed in survey number 181 and 193 at Aradi in Candolim, despite it being agricultural tenanted land. No action was taken when complaints were made to appropriate authorities, he charged.
Taking cognizance of illegal conversion of agricultural tenanted land, High Court in June 26, 2007, had directed state authorities to prohibit such illegal conversions. The Town and Country Planning Board was directed to file report every six months giving details of such conversions, said the petitioner.
He also pointed out that in the new draft Regional Plan 2021, agricultural tenanted land in which illegal houses have been constructed, sought to be converted into settlement zone.