Team Herald
MARGAO: In a memorandum issued by the South Goa District Collector, Asvin Chandru, all the taluka-level deputy collectors, mamlatdars and the talathis in the South Goa district have been directed to immediately initiate a special drive by carrying out inspection of all areas in their respective jurisdictions. Chandru has also asked the authorities to initiate strict action as per the directions within the specified time frame.
This decision comes against the backdrop of the Collector’s office receiving complaints about alleged illegal land filling of agricultural fields and areas along roadsides.
Furthermore, the District Collector has asked for action taken reports by the officials to be submitted to his office by May 5.
Chandru has called for immediate action against the violators as per law if any violations are noticed during the special drive. They have also been asked to maintain strict vigil through their officers as and when illegal activities/ violations are noticed.
Directions have also been issued to these officials to inform the concerned departments/authorities immediately to initiate appropriate action against such violations including under Section 17A of the Goa Town & Country Planning Act, 1974 by the Town & Country Planning Department.
The Collector has reminded the deputy collectors, mamlatdars in the district, that they are empowered to take immediate action against any illegal land filling under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968.
He also set up a mechanism in place to respond to complaints received from members of the public.
In his memorandum, the District Collector stated that the talathis of the concerned areas are duty bound to report such violations for taking immediate action. The memorandum has further stated that the mamlatdars are duty bound to file checklists and deputy collectors in turn are duty bound to initiate action under Goa Land Revenue Code 1968.
It may be recalled that in the last couple of weeks, there have been many representations made by locals to the Collector’s office and a meeting was also held recently with all the panchayat secretaries of Benaulim constituency and MLA Venzy Viegas regarding alleged illegal landfilling taking place in the constituency.