Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has asked the Advocate General and the Amicus Curiae appointed in the public interest litigation (PIL) suo motu petition regarding illegal constructions in the State, to submit their recommendations/suggestions on Monday , March 3.
According to AG Devidas Pangam, the High Court has taken serious note of illegal constructions mushrooming across the State. The matter was substantially argued and has now reached to a conclusion. The Court has asked them to submit their written notes on Monday, March 3, he said.
AG Pangam said that during the hearing, he brought to the notice of the Court about the past decisions wherein water and electricity connection can be given to such illegal structures under the Public Health Act. But he said that this provision was misused and the purpose was defeated and commercial activities were being conducted by misusing the musing the Act.
Amicus Curiae Adv Vithal Naik said that various suggestions have been discussed. The formation of a task force or a flying squad, satellite mapping and geo-fencing to stop illegal constructions in the government properties and along the roadside could be some of his recommendations.
“AG and myself will prepare recommendations and submit it to the Court on Monday and the Court may pass order,” Adv Naik said.
While admitting the PIL suo motu the High Court had described the situation as ‘alarming’ and called on the State government to implement measures to curb the proliferation of illegal constructions and encroachments. It also wanted to know what steps need to be taken to implement the statutory provisions of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act.