MAPUSA: The execution of an order directing the demolition of 22 illegal structures on the local comunidade land at Bela Vista in Sangolda, Bardez, has been postponed for the fifth time as the PWD reportedly has no funds to hire machinery and workers.
According to locals the 22 structures were initially erected as temporary huts, but subsequently, they were converted into concrete structures.
Following this, the Sangolda Comunidade initiated a legal action and after a prolonged legal battle, an order was passed for demolition of the structures. Thereafter, a demolition drive was fixed on four occasions and all the four times it was postponed since the authorities concerned failed to remain present for the exercise.
“We brought a JCB for demolishing these structures on four occasions, but every time it was cancelled and we had to bear the cost of bringing the earthmover,” a comunidade member complained.
Meanwhile, according to the locals the 22 structures lack sanitation facilities, as such, the inhabitants have been defecating in the open since the time the structures came up years ago.
The villagers allege that the open defecation by the inhabitants of the 22 structures, besides polluting the wells in the vicinity, is a serious health hazard.
Sources claimed that when the Goa State Pollution Control Board had tested the water from the wells in 2009, it was found clean; but when tested in 2013, it was found polluted.
Anita, a comunidade member, said, “We cannot drink water from our wells because it is totally polluted. We have to boil the water before drinking it. Besides, the open defecation has also polluted the air making it stink.”
