Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promises new legislation to protect rights amid high court ruling on illegal constructions | Goa News

Porvorim: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday assured the assembly that if required, new legislation will be passed to protect the rights of people affected by high court order on illegal houses.
The CM’s statement follows the high court direction in suo motu PIL to take action against illegal houses in the state.
“In compliance, some of the authorities initiated certain steps. At this juncture, I would like to point out here that there is no need for the law-abiding general public to panic, and we need to make a distinction between illegal and irregular constructions,” Sawant said. “We are examining the order and further, wherever required, we will explore the possibility of bringing law or legislation to protect the rights of affected people, if felt necessary.”
The CM on Tuesday assured the assembly to make a statement on the circular issued by the directorate of panchayats.
In compliance with a recent order of the high court, the directorate of panchayats issued instructions to panchayats across Goa to identify and act against illegal constructions. The directorate issued the instructions on March 19, but the relevant memorandum came to light only on Tuesday.
The directorate told panchayats, panchayat secretaries, and block development officers to take note of the High Court order. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao raised the issue in the House and said that 75% of the population would be affected by the order.
In its detailed March 6 order, the high court issued several directions to authorities as they go about removing illegal constructions and putting measures in place. The court divided illegal constructions into several categories, requiring action from the civic bodies.
In the first category are illegal constructions on roadsides or major roads within municipal areas. The second category includes illegal constructions on roadsides or major roads within panchayat areas.
The third category involves illegal constructions in panchayat areas being used for commercial purposes. The fourth category covers illegal constructions in municipal areas being used for commercial purposes, and the fifth category pertains to illegal constructions in paddy fields.