Panaji: Almost one crore sq mtrs of orchard land is been illegally sub-divided and sold as residential plots to unsuspected buyers, Minister for TCP Vijai Sardesai told House today.
He said that epartment has identified nearly 99 cases of such violations, which are treated as cognizable offence with one year simple imprisonment and a fine upto Rs 10 lakhs.
Quepem, Sanguem Dharbandora has reported 44 cases, Bicholim 27, Pernem 6, Sattari 4 and Bardez three.
The question on orchard land was raised by BJP’s Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
“We have come across 99 such cases, and in majority FIR has been registered,” Minister said.
Sardesai said that considering the seriousness of the matter, Government amended the TCP act making section 49 (6) applicable to entire State, wherein NOC from department is mandatory for sale of plots. “The move will help us to prevent further sub-division of plots,” Sardesai said.
