Govt razes encroachment at Dona Paula property | Goa News

Panaji: The department of information technology, electronics, and communication (DITE&C) commenced the demolition of an illegal compound and a temporary structure built by encroaching on land acquired for the IT park at Dona Paula.
The IT department owns over 25,000sqm of land at the prime location, which was allegedly encroached upon by the proprietor of a local business. The encroacher also placed heavy machinery on the land and was trying to create a garden.
IT minister Rohan Khaunte said that govt has taken a “strong decision” to cleanse all illegal structures by following due process. “Notice was sent first, then an order was issued, and based on the order, the demolition was conducted. Govt has followed all procedures against the illegalities. All illegal things need to be cleansed,” said Khaunte.
The sprawling site was acquired for the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park that was once supposed to come up at Dona Paula, arguably one of the most expensive real estate in the state. Govt then decided to build an international convention centre with a 5,000-seater hall and allied infrastructure on the land, but even that project is yet to see the light of day.
With the land lying idle, it began to be encroached upon, said department officials. “Wherever there are illegal structures, whether related to the tourism department or the IT department, there will be no compromise,” the IT minister said.