Team Herald
PANJIM: In a major relief for traffic movement at the St Inez-Panjim area, the controversial structure at the St Inez Y-junction was finally demolished on Monday evening.
The demolition was carried out after the Court declared the building
illegal. The large commercial structure had encroached upon the road, posing a danger to traffic. Located at a crucial junction, the structure had been obstructing traffic flow following road widening under the Smart City project. The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) had been unable to take action earlier due to a court-imposed stay on the demolition.
Meanwhile, the petitioners, Thomas Monteiro and Caitan Mascarenhas accused the government of not providing them with sufficient time to challenge the order in a higher court.
It may be recalled that during their site visit to the ongoing works in the capital city under the Smart City Mission on 1st April 2024, Justice
Mahesh Sonak and Justice Valmiki Menezes noticed this structure jutting out at the crucial Y-junction
at St Inez. It was identi
fied as an encroachment on government property. The judges have now stated that the State, or any of its concerned departments, must take immediate steps to remove it to ensure there is no hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic at this critical junction.