Mormugoa Municipal Council issued notices to 242 Illegal structure as per High Court Order – Girish Borkar
Mormugao, Goa | May 15, 2025 — Chairperson Girish Borkar of the Mormugao Municipal Council has initiated a comprehensive drive to identify and act against illegal structures within the municipal jurisdiction, following directives from the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay at Goa. As part of this enforcement, notices have already been issued to 242 illegal structures, asking proprietors to produce valid documents to justify their legality. This proactive move was formalized through an official circular issued by the Mormugao Municipal Council on April 4, 2025.
The circular outlines compliance with PIL Suo Moto No. 3 of 2024, dated March 6, 2025, in which the High Court directed all municipal bodies in Goa to inspect major roads, highways, and road-widening areas for encroachments and unauthorized constructions.
In accordance with these instructions, MMC has constituted joint inspection teams from its Technical and Tax sections to physically verify and confirm data on identified illegal structures. This verification will include cross-referencing information provided by the office of the Dy. Collector & SDM, Mormugao, based on surveys conducted by local Talathis.
The High Court has demanded timely submission of detailed reports to both the Court and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), with strict timelines to follow. Moreover, commercial structures lacking valid construction licenses or technical clearance under the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010 are liable for sealing or demolition.
The Chief Officer of MMC was slated to appear before the Hon’ble High Court on April 15, 2025, to present the council’s compliance report and update on enforcement actions.
“This action reflects the council’s zero-tolerance approach toward illegal constructions. We are fully committed to enforcing the court’s directives and ensuring orderly urban development, He requested people who have received notice to approch council with valid documents within stipulated time frame and Chief officer will take hearing and scrutinize the documents” – Girish Borkar.
Trade licenses of such illegal commercial entities are under scrutiny, and failure to justify legality may lead to cancellation of licenses and further legal proceedings under the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968.
The residents of New Vaddem, Mangor, Baina, and Sada have been left shocked and distressed after receiving the recent circular from the Mormugao Municipal Council regarding illegal structures. Many of them have rushed to the municipal office with property-related documents in hand, seeking clarity and an opportunity to defend their long-standing occupancy. Several residents claim that they have been living in these areas for over 50 years and are now facing uncertainty despite having built their homes decades ago. The sudden issuance of notices has raised concerns among the locals, who fear losing their homes and livelihoods amidst the ongoing enforcement drive.
The Mormugao Municipal Council’s initiative underscores its vision for a law-abiding and better-planned urban environment, further echoing its commitment.
