Panaji: The Bombay high court declined interim relief to a Shirgao resident who was issued a notice by the district disaster management authority to remove his encroachment in view of the upcoming Shree Devi Lairai Jatra scheduled for April 21.The authority issued notices to eight persons, including petitioner Babi Gaonkar, directing the removal of encroachments from a public path in the interest of public safety and disaster prevention ahead of the jatra, where a stampede took place last year, claiming the lives of devotees.Gaonkar told the court that he is not an encroacher on a public path and that he was not given any notice or opportunity of being heard, which is in violation of the principles of natural justice.Advocate general Devidas Pangam told the HC that the road widening work order had already been issued to a contractor for the jatra, and work will commence from Feb 27. He said emergent measures are required to be taken in view of the upcoming festival and added that the man is a rank encroacher and there was no need to serve any notice on him.The HC disposed of Gaonkar’s writ petition, giving him three days to submit his reply/objection to the authority. The HC said that the authority shall then consider his representation and take an appropriate decision. “However, if the proposed demolition is proceeded with, then Gaonkar should be informed of the nature and extent of his encroachment,” the court said.
