Goa: Over 35 lakh sqm comunidade land lost to encroachers

PANAJI: Goa's ancient comunidade system is being lost to encroachment, with over 35 lakh sqm grabbed. In nearly 50% of the 123 age-old self-sustaining systems, land has been illegally usurped, and despite several complaints, cases are either pending resolution or action is yet to be initiated.
"Proceedings have been initiated, and the matter is ongoing as per the procedure of the Code of Comunidade," said revenue minister Atanasio Monserrate.
The problem is severe in 65 of the comunidades. At over 20 lakh sqm, maximum illegal encroachments are seen in the Sirigao comunidade, followed by three lakh sqm in Morambi-O-Grande and Anjuna, and over two lakh sqm in Colvale.
A senior officer said that the pendency is due to incomplete document verification, inspections not being carried out, or parties seeking time to submit additional documents or file replies. Though there are directions in place to dispose of the cases without delays and in a time-bound manner, it is not necessary that these are followed, the officer said. "In some matters, especially where it is a clear case of encroachment, the party will try everything possible to keep the case pending by seeking adjournment after adjournment on flimsy grounds," the officer said.
In the recently concluded budget assembly session, the state government passed the Goa Legislative Diploma No. 2070 Dated 15-4-1961 (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Bill to regulate grant of land by comunidades
Its purpose is to streamline the process of election of the members of the managing committee of comunidades.
The bill also aims to facilitate the development of land by private agencies and to regulate the process of grant of land by comunidades.
The revenue minister said that there is no data available to quantify the comunidade land available for development since none have communicated details of the vacant plots as required under rule 12 of the Goa Daman and Diu (Legislative Diploma No. 2070 dated 15-4-1961) Eules, 1985.