VASCO: Finally the demolition of 38-odd structures out of the total 121 structures at Katem Baina would be carried out anytime next week as the offices of Mormugao Deputy Collector and Mamlatdar have already placed request for demolition squad.
It may be recalled that last week, following directions from the office of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the Deputy Collector through the Mamlatdar identified 38 out of total 121 structures at Katem Baina that would face demolition as these structures are a part of total 121 houses that the GCZMA had served final demolition order on April 13 2017.
However, 68 residents filed independent petitions before the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging GCZMA’s demolition order and 11 independent applications were filed before NGT Pune. Later, in December 2017, the High Court bench disposed off all the petitions and inter-alia stayed the order of GCZMA for eight weeks and NGT also stayed demolition order in all 11 applications and the matter is now fixed on January 19.
Confirming the information, Deputy Collector Mahadev Arundekar said, “Yes, we have already identified all 38 structures that would be demolished as per CGZMA’s directions. Last week we sent requisition for demolition squad and most probably on January 17 or 18 we would be taking up demolition of 38 structures.”
Since few among these 38 structures are attached to other structures to which the court has granted stay, it would be difficult task for the demolition squad to demolish such identified structures without damaging other adjoining structures.
