The ongoing drive to identify illegal structures built on government land along national highways and major roads in Salcete taluka has stalled in several panchayats due to the lack of clear demarcation of government-owned land, which has left local bodies unable to accurately verify encroachments.
Following a recent directive by the High Court, panchayats and municipalities were instructed to conduct surveys to identify illegal structures along highways, main roads, and even those in agricultural areas like paddy fields.
While some progress has been made, many panchayats have been unable to complete the task due to unavailability of land demarcation details from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Out of the 30 panchayats in Salcete, only about half have managed to carry out the verification process. According to information provided by the Block Development Office (BDO) in Salcete, the Nuvem panchayat has identified the highest number of illegal structures, with 43 constructions found along the roadsides. Rumdamol has reported 32 illegal structures, followed by Raia with 10, Navelim with 7, and Curtorim with 2.
Meanwhile, a few panchayats such as Carmona, Camurlim, Cavelossim, and Loutolim have reported a small number of cases, ranging from 1 to 3 illegal structures each. Interestingly, several panchayats including Betalbatim, Colva, Orlim, Rachol, Seraulim, and Varca have reported no illegal structures within their jurisdiction.
An official from the BDO office revealed that most panchayats are struggling with a lack of access to accurate data showing the boundaries of government-owned land. Many local bodies have formally written to the PWD, requesting the necessary land demarcation maps or data, but the department has yet to provide the information. This delay has brought the survey work to a standstill in many areas.
Despite the setbacks, some panchayats have managed to complete their surveys and submit preliminary findings. However, without PWD's support in defining government land boundaries, the overall completion of the survey across Salcete remains uncertain.