Calangute: The Candolim panchayat, along with MLA Michael Lobo, on Thursday cleared several illegal structures and encroachments, including a biryani outlet operating from the former electricity department office next to the primary health centre (PHC) in the village.Among the structures demolished were shops and restaurants located behind the PHC. The owner of an adjacent private property claimed these structures stood on his land, while Lobo and members of the panchayat maintained they were on govt property belonging to the health department.“The owner of the neighbouring property initially resisted the demolition team, so we had to summon the police. We will definitely clear everything. First, they had set up a food cart that was then converted into a concrete structure. Then, they brought in another cart and built another structure. We will be bringing a cutting machine to remove the concrete slabs. It will be completed in the next three to four days. The encroachment is around 7,000sqm,” Lobo said.He said the encroachment came to light when construction of the new PHC building began. “We brought in the land survey department, and its officials have marked the plot. The land is needed for a building to house a laboratory, X-ray machine, and other equipment,” he said.Also cleared was the biryani outlet that had mysteriously started operating from the former electricity department office next to the PHC. Another illegal restaurant at the Aguada–Nerul road junction was also demolished on Thursday. A large number of police personnel from Calangute police station were present during the drive.
