Team Herald
Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane on Tuesday pointed to the incomplete Regional Plan as the reason for illegal construction in the State. He called for strict implementation of laws for an end to the issue.
Speaking in the Assembly during discussions on the panchayats department, the minister called it the licensing body for construction, fencing and construction of roads in rural areas emphasizing the need to finalize the plan to stop haphazard growth to an already fast-paced development.
“Most panchayats are already becoming urbanized and are very fast paced. Because there is no Regional Plan, there are a lot of illegal constructions. The government needs to make sure this plan is put in place otherwise the people will blame you for the haphazard growth. We want Goa to be developed too but there is need to prevent illegal development,” said Rane. He called for stricter implementation of rules and laws so people don’t take the government for granted.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said the problem of illegal constructions stemmed from a nexus between the construction industry and the panchayat secretary.
Issues related to the Zilla Panchayat, including lack of funds and powers with the organization, were also raised. St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh said there was need for bifurcation of duties from the panchayats to help in smooth functioning of villages, while Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal said funds to panchayats were very low thus leaving the case of village development behind. He also asked the government to look into investigating the granting of illegal house numbers in several village panchayats.
