GHB did not own excavated land in Cuncolim

MARGAO, MAY 5
A week after the road was excavated at Panzorcone-Cuncolim, it has now become apparent that land in question did not belong to the Goa Housing Board and was not part of the 1.26 lakh square meters of land acquired by the Board to set up a housing colony.
It is also clear that the GHB have now decided to acquire land admeasuring 20,000 sq mts, which the owner claimed was encroached upon by the Board along with the 1.26 lakh sq mts of acquired land.
Sources in the Goa Housing Board told Herald that the land in question would be acquired for public purpose after the election code of conduct ends later this month. Officials in the know informed that the Board is bracing up to acquire the land as per an affidavit filed in the High Court.
Herald understands that the Board is also exploring the possibility of filing a suit for damages against the owner for excavating the road and leaving the concrete drains damaged.
But, many questions still remain unanswered. Why did the property owner, dug up the road and damaged the developed property when the Housing Board had clearly stated in the affidavit that it will acquire the land in question.
And, secondly, why did the Housing Board lodge a complaint against the owner for causing damage to the property, knowing fully well that the land in question does not belong to the Board.
The owner had filed a petitioned in the high court against the Housing Board for removal of the encroachments in his property. The court, however, on April 6, 2009 permitted the owner to withdraw the petition with liberty to take appropriate proceedings if the occasion arises after the Goa Housing Board in an affidavit stated that they will acquire the land.