Fifty four illegal structures located on a private land near the Basaveshwara Temple in Baina were razed by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) in South Goa on Tuesday.
Over 250 police personnel, including eight police inspectors, one Deputy Superintendent of Police, 22 police sub inspectors, women police constables and police constables from the Indian Reserve Battalion, all requisitioned from South Goa police stations, were deployed at the site.
Eye-witnesses said that the structures were demolished without making any alternative arrangements for the inhabitants, which virtually rendered nearly 200 people, including children, homeless.
New private colonies
The demolition drive, which began at around 7.30 a.m. and ended by 12 noon, was carried out to make way for new residential colonies. The residents who comprise migrants from neighbouring States, mostly Karnataka, said that they had been occupying the buildings for over 30 years. They said their houses should have been regularised.
The demolition was conducted by Agnelo Fernandes, Additional Collector, South Goa, who holds charge of MMC. He was aided by staff requisitioned from various departments, including the Power Department, the Public Works Department and the police.
Two weeks ago, the MMC had fixed the demolition of 55 illegal structures on September 15. One case is still in court. However, the date was deferred at the last moment. Uday Prabhu, Deputy Collector, Margao, and in-charge of the demolition squad, pointed out to the MMC Chief Officer that 22 applications by Baina residents seeking regularisation of structures were pending before the State administration. The demolitions therefore had to be kept in abeyance until the applications were disposed of.
‘No ownership papers’
On September 18, Mr. Prabhu issued another order to the MMC and fixed the demolition on September 26. In the fresh order, Deputy Collector pointed out that the authorised officer had reported that all 22 applications had been rejected and the demolition order could be implemented.
The demolition was carried out in accordance with the High Court order and the stay granted by the Deputy Collector. He heard the cases and come to conclusion that the occupants of the 54 illegal structures did not have documents or legal papers to prove their ownership over the private land on which the structures existed. “As all individual cases were rejected, we decided to go in for the demolition,” said Mr. Fernandes.
The demolition left several families homeless. Eyewitnesses said many families were seen sitting near the site of the demolition along with their household items and belongings. They were clueless where to go.
Local councillor Murari Bandekar, who remained at the site along with the displaced families, told The Hindu that from a humanitarian angle the demolition was ruthless. Mr. Bandekar said, “Nearly 500 people, including school going children and old people, are on the streets today. This could have been avoided if they were given some alternative shelter, at least, temporarily. Two temples also have been demolished.” Mr. Bandekar said that he along with others will petition the Prime Minister to provide them shelter.
‘Hear out grievances’
Need Sankalp Amonkar, general secretary of Congress, Goa, termed the demolitions illegal. Mr. Amonbkar, who lost in the February Assembly election, said that the families had a right to be heard on an individual basis. He alleged that a common notice was issued and a common hearing was held for all by the Deputy Collector and demolition order was issued.
Mr. Amonkar said, “When such illegal structures in other parts of the State are getting individual notices and proper hearing, why are these people not getting appropriate legal recourse? Is it because the government is backing the private builder?”