Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 14: Goa Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho has revealed that the state government will soon introduce a Bill to regularise unauthorised structures built on government and comunidade lands, citing repeated judicial leniency from the Supreme Court and High Court in similar cases.

“The courts never advocate blanket demolitions. They always provide a window to legalise these structures,” said Godinho, emphasizing the government’s aim to balance legality with humanitarian concerns.

On another pressing issue, Godinho issued a stern warning about the unresolved taxi disputes that have long plagued Goa’s tourism industry. Speaking on the show Head On, he cautioned that continued inaction could lead to a collapse in tourist inflows.

“Tourists are already avoiding Goa. If we don't find a solution to the taxi issue soon, we risk destroying our tourism sector,” he said.

Godinho also addressed the political hurdles in reforming the taxi sector, highlighting how powerful local taxi unions influence MLAs and derail policy changes. “I’m the only MLA who didn’t cave to union pressure. Others need to show similar courage,” he said.

His comments come amid mounting concerns over unregulated construction and rising tourist dissatisfaction—two challenges that threaten Goa’s economic and infrastructure sustainability.