PANAJI: After it was told that the village panchayat of Arpora Nagoa issued 42 show-cause notices regarding alleged illegal land filling and construction, with no further action undertaken, the high court on Wednesday directed the panchayat to submit an affidavit explaining the status of the 42 notices.
“The panchayat must explain why these notices have not been disposed of till date and also indicate the timeline within which such notices will be disposed of,” the high court stated.
“The panchayat should also explain why demolition orders have not been executed till date and the timeline within which the demolition orders will be executed,” it added.
Advocate Rohit Bras De Sa stated that the demolition orders have been issued in only 13 cases by the panchayat and pointed out that even these have not been executed till date.
Aga Deep Shirodkar stated that the town and country planning (TCP) department will verify the status of illegal land-filling. If it is found, then the department will give the court a timeline within which action will be initiated and completed.
The court asked the officials concerned to file an affidavit on the issue.
De Sa submitted to the high court that these are low-lying paddy fields, and low-lying areas which have been filled up without sanction of the law.
He stated that authorities failed to take any action against illegal land-filling and illegal conversion.
He submitted to the high court that no action is sought to be taken against the structures as it will have the effect and potential of disturbing the vote banks of ward members of the panchayat of Arpora Nagoa.
