Daijiworld Media Network - Socorro
Socorro, Jul 10: After nearly two years of legal tussles and delays, demolition of an illegal two-storey house in the 20-point settlement at Socorro finally resumed this week. The structure, owned by a man named Chari, has been under demolition since Tuesday, with work continuing into Wednesday.
The initial demolition began in October 2023, following an order from the Socorro panchayat. However, the process was halted later that month after a stay order from the district court. The panchayat subsequently moved the high court, which directed the demolition to go ahead on November 12, 2024.
Chari had assured the court he would demolish the building himself but later cited lack of technical manpower and promised to vacate the premises by February 10, 2025, allowing authorities to carry out the work. The demolition squad was initially expected to complete the task by March 15 and submit a report by March 21.
However, on June 18, it was revealed in court that the demolition could not proceed due to the absence of required government officials. The high court then issued fresh instructions to the Bardez Deputy Collector and the Socorro panchayat secretary to carry out the demolition by July 7, with logistical support from the PWD, electricity department, and police.
Following the latest directive, the demolition has now restarted and is actively progressing.