In a significant move, the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has given its nod for the conversion of over 35,000 square meters of ecologically sensitive land into settlement zones across popular coastal villages. This decision comes less than a week after the department revoked a similar large-scale conversion in Arambol.
Details of the 225th TCP Board Meeting
The approvals were granted during the TCP board's 225th meeting, following which an official gazette notification was issued. The board cleared 15 separate proposals that together transform 35,685 square meters of land currently classified as orchards, natural tree cover, and other protected categories.
A dominant share of this land is located within zones marked as ecologically sensitive, which are highly sought after by real estate developers. The bulk of the affected area lies in the villages of Calangute, Anjuna, Parra, and Aldona in Bardez taluka, regions already experiencing intense pressure from construction and tourism-related expansion.
Breakdown of Major Proposals and Environmental Concerns
An analysis reveals that more than 70% of the total land area approved for conversion originates from environmentally significant classifications. These include orchard land, natural cover, irrigation command areas, and land with 'no development' slopes.
In Anjuna, a single proposal by ELParaiso Ventures LLP accounts for 11,082 square meters of newly opened settlement land. The plot contains areas classified as natural cover and land with no development slope. The clearance was given subject to conditions from the water resources department, highlighting the presence of sensitive water-linked zones.
Another notable proposal in Calangute by Ashvagandha Betelnuts Pvt Ltd involves 6,525 square meters of land categorized as natural cover and part of a heritage landscape. Crucially, this plot is located within 500 meters of the high tide line. Its conversion is subject to scrutiny by the forest department and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
Morpheus Hospitality Pvt Ltd also secured conversion of 3,862 square meters in Calangute from natural cover with no development slope to settlement, pending forest department comments.
Regional Spread and Stakeholder Objection Window
The Bardez taluka alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total converted area, with seven proposals covering approximately 23,500 square meters. Other approvals include a 4,500 square meter orchard conversion in Khola, Canacona for developers Vianaar and Megrez Estates, a 4,000 square meter natural cover conversion in Usgao, Ponda, and the release of land from an institutional zone in Carambolim, Tiswadi for residential use.
While most approvals carry conditional clauses from relevant line departments, environmental critics have pointed out a persistent flaw. They note that the TCP continues to clear such applications in a fragmented manner, without conducting a cumulative environmental impact assessment to understand the total effect of these combined conversions.
The department has provided a 30-day window for stakeholders and the public to file formal objections against these notifications. Once this period concludes, the TCP Board is expected to forward its final recommendations to the state government for a conclusive decision.
