Goa, Jan. 8 -- AUGUSTO RODRIGUES

Statis tics from the Goa Legislative Assembly reveal that inor dinate delays by the Depart ment of Panchayats in settling appeals against demolition orders have allowed illegal structures to survive for years - sometimes with tragic con sequences. Critics argue that such delays are a key reason why disasters like the Birch by Romeo Lane tragedy occur, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reform. According to the reply to Starred LAQ No 08A, asked by Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, a total of 186 appeals against demolition orders were filed in South Goa in 2018. Of these, 69 appeals were settled only in 2022 -reflacting a delay of around four years.

The situation in North Goa mirrors this ...