MAPUSA: In a decisive move to address traffic congestion and road blockages, the Mapusa Municipality has initiated a crackdown on illegal encroachments following numerous complaints to the Public Works Department (PWD) and the traffic police. A recent municipal survey uncovered 52 unauthorized structures contributing to the issue along key roadways.
Out of the 52 structures surveyed, only two were found to have valid No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and licenses, while 50 were declared illegal. Consequently, demolition orders were issued for the unauthorized constructions. So far, 35 structures have been listed for immediate demolition, as the municipality moves forward with efforts to clear the encroachments.
However, some property owners have taken legal recourse, with 14 filing appeals and several obtaining a stay order from the Goa Tribunal Court in Panjim. These stay orders have temporarily halted action on their properties, with the next hearing scheduled for October 30. Until further legal directives are issued, the municipality has announced plans to seal these structures.
The demolition drive has been carefully coordinated, with the deployment of police from Mapusa and Colvale to maintain law and order during the operation. Additionally, officials from the electricity department and other concerned authorities are present on-site to assist in the demolition process.
While one structure has already been demolished voluntarily by the owner, the fate of the remaining properties hangs in the balance as the legal proceedings continue.
The municipality’s efforts aim to alleviate traffic congestion and reclaim public spaces unlawfully encroached upon, ensuring smoother mobility and better urban planning for the city.