MARGAO: The South Goa Comunidade Forum (SGCF), in collaboration with the Verna Comunidade Committee, has provided clarity on the recent demolition of an illegal construction, emphasising that it was a necessary step to uphold the law and safeguard the interests of the Comunidade. The SGCF has also made an appeal to political leaders to refrain from interfering in Comunidade matters, citing such interference makes it challenging to protect their land from illegal activities.
Savio J F Correia, SGCF Secretary and spokesperson, addressed the perception that the Comunidade had selectively targeted encroachments. He clarified that the Verna Comunidade had demolished a total of 70 structures over the past eight years, with the recent case being the 71st. Moreover, it was the oldest pending case, awaiting demolition for the past 16 years. The area taken into possession by the encroachers in Verna encompassed approximately 1,500 square meters.
Regarding the demolition order, Correia explained that it had been issued by the Comunidade Administrator and executed by the Deputy Collector, making it unnecessary to inform the local panchayat, as they held no jurisdiction over the matter.
He described the controversy surrounding the demolition as unfortunate, adding that the Verna Comunidade had acted within its legal rights to protect its land from encroachment. The SGCF addressed allegations of overlooking several other illegal constructions and encroachments in Verna and other villages. Comunidades can only report such illegalities to the Administrator, who has the authority to act under the Comunidade Code. “Demolitions of illegal structures on Comunidade land in South Goa are routine, this is not the only one. Just a week ago, one more demolition exercise was carried out in Mormugao taluka, but nobody made any noise. There are several cases pertaining to illegal structures pending before the Administrator,” said Correia.
Correia clarified that the concerned party had been given ample opportunities to comply with the demolition orders. The claim that the house had been constructed 40 years ago was contradicted by the individuals themselves, as they currently claim to be 53 years old.
Baylon Vaz, President of Verna Comunidade, added that the people residing in the vicinity of the encroachers were also unhappy due to the illegal structures.
The SGCF emphasised that if the concerned party was capable of buying the land, they should have submitted their application or request to the Comunidade. Additionally, they clarified that the demolition had been conducted during daylight hours, dispelling any notions of nighttime operations.
