On Sunday, the villagers of Bethora-Nirankal resolved in their gram sabha meeting not to sell or allow construction on plots measuring less than 250 square metres to any outsider in its jurisdiction. The reason: Outsiders purchase small parcels of land and construct several rooms so that their families and relatives can stay there, thereby putting a strain on water and electricity and even creating a garbage problem. This is Bethora-Nirankal’s unorthodox solution to controlling the burgeoning migrant population in the village, while at the same time, reserving its land for natives.
But are these resolutions even legal? According to a charter of rights contained in Part III of the Constitution of India, citizens have the freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India. Unless there exist reasonable restrictions by the state. But Goa does not have the luxury of special status. That being said, why cannot the problem be nipped in the bud? Isn’t it the responsibility of the panchayat to keep a tab on illegal construction within its borders? How did the panchayat grant the required construction licences unless the building and layout plans were as per the approved Floor Area Ratio (FAR)? Weren’t the building plans submitted to the panchayat and TCP for approval? And finally, why was the NOC for completion and occupancy granted if the final structure did not comply with regulation? The ball is in the panchayat court and it must act instead of hiding behind a ban which cannot be implemented.
