PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa is considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to provide a proper road with footpath at Verla-Canca as the village is witnessing mushrooming alleged illegal constructions along a road stretch.
Block Development Office and an affidavit by the local village panchayat’s report on the alleged illegal encroachment prompted the High Court to consider a PIL.
The Division Bench of Justice M S Sonak and Justice M S Jawalkar termed it as a very serious and disturbing picture.
“The report submitted by the BDO and the Affidavit of Village Panchayat of Verla Canca disclose a very serious and disturbing picture. Alleged illegal constructions appear to be mushrooming at a very fast pace at the stretch of a road, where this Court is considering a PIL for providing a proper road with footpaths,” the order states.
In the last hearing, the High Court has pulled up the Village Panchayat of Verla-Canca for turning a blind eye towards the alleged encroachment despite High Court directions to act against the encroachers.
Petitioner NGO Goa Foundation alleged new unauthorised constructions along a road stretch was coming up for which there is a proposal to construct a road or widening the footpaths.
The High Court had directed the local panchayat for an inspection and a subsequent report.
Based on the affidavit, the High Court has now directed the village panchayat, police and concerned authorities to stop the alleged illegal constructions and maintain a vigil at the site so as to prevent attempts for further construction.
The matter has been adjourned for June 21 for further consideration.
