From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 30: While so called illegal houses of poor fishermen are demolished mercilessly in Goa, an illegal religious structure is allowed to expand in government land by damaging government property right under the nose of government officials.

Massive construction is underway within the campus of government quarters at St Inez in the capital city by a religious structure which is notified by the Collector as illegal structure for encroaching on government land.

Government by notification published on March 14, 2010, had declared the said religious structure, falling in chalta No 1 PTS, No 114, as unauthorized. However, ever since there has been major expansion activity going on to this religious structure even on road side, posing serious threat to the traffic & nuisance to the residents.

But for last few days, this religious structure run by some anonymous people, have carried out major changes in the entire area flouting all the Rules. More than 10 meters long trench is being dug and a big tank is constructed right in the middle of two buildings.

While doing this they have not only encroached on a big chunk of prime government land but also damaged the government property worth lakhs of rupees.

When asked, Chief Engineer of PWD Mr Rego feigned ignorance about this construction which is going on for last many days, in the colony where many PWD officers are residing.

Mr Rego replied in negative when asked if there was any permission taken for this construction. “I don’t know who are the people on the committee of the temple. I will ask my officers to look into this”, he said when this reporter asked him if criminal complaint will be filed against the culprits.

However, work is underway in full swing at the site despite bringing it to the notice of the chief engineer, PWD, who is supposed to the custodian of this property.