PANJIM: The Goa government on Friday requested the High Court of Bombay at Goa not to entertain petitions by owners of illegal huts at Katem-Baina and instead direct them to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The High Court while extending the interim relief from the demolitions, has directed Goa government to file a reply by next week.
A total of 97 disputed hutment dwellers have approached the High Court pleading that their structures be regularised or they be rehabilitated. During the hearing, as proof of residence, one petitioner submitted a document issued in 1984 by Mormugao Municipal Council.
The petitioners contended that they are traditional fishermen and CRZ norms permit that their structures be regularised. The petitioners also contended that earlier the Goa government had recommended to the Central government to regularise their hutments as they are engaged in fishing related activities.
The government counsel told the court not to entertain the petition as the State is following directions given by NGT and that the petitioners should approach NGT.
The State also contended that one document of residence proof produced by one petitioner cannot get relief to the other petitioners. The government has also cleared its stand that they will not hear each petitioner individually as this is not physically possible.
