‘Action against illegal structures at Old Goa only after Mamlatdar’s report’

Team Herald

PANJIM: Action against illegal encroachments and the commercial activities carried out in the areas identified as Prohibited Areas declared to be of national importance at Old Goa will be taken based on the report of the Tiswadi Taluka Mamlatdar, stated the High Court of Bombay at Goa.

During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by John Baptista Mascarenhas of Ponda, additional government advocate V Sardessai submitted that the Tiswadi Mamlatdar has already taken steps to inquire into the matter and prepare a report. It was submitted that the allegations made in the PIL writ petition will be looked into before the report is submitted.

Following this, the Court stated that it will pass the further orders based on the report of the Mamlatdar. It is also open to the authorities to act in accordance with law, the Court said.

The petitioner has stated that the conservation assistant of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had filed as many 76 complaints to the police against illegal constructions within the heritage site of Old Goa. But despite several representations made by the petitioner, there was complete failure on the part of the respondents to take any action. He has prayed that the respondents be directed to take immediate action against the illegal structures built within the protected and prohibited areas, as per Section 20-A of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and to restore the land back to its original position.

Adv Parag Wagle is arguing on behalf of the petitioner and the matter has been posted for further hearing on November 13.