Panaji: The town and country planning (TCP) department of Goa has issued two fresh notifications proposing and approving the conversion of close to 30,000 square meters of land into settlement zones. This development highlights the continued pace of land-use changes under Section 39A of the TCP Act.
Final Approvals Granted
Of the two notifications, the TCP granted final approval for the conversion of 13,936 square meters, paving the way for alterations and modifications to the regional plan as specified by four applicants. Among these, Daffodils Hotels received the largest share, with approval to convert 8,101 square meters of orchard land and paddy fields into a settlement zone in Arossim, Mormugao.
TCP's chief town planner, Vertika Dagur, stated, “Final approval for zone change is on the condition that the development will be subject to confirmation by the agriculture department regarding unsuitability of the land for agriculture. Secondary development shall be permitted strictly after obtaining NOC from the agriculture department and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.”
Provisional Approvals and Public Objections
Dagur also notified provisional approvals for nine zone change proposals. These proposals, which predominantly cover relatively small land parcels across multiple talukas, are open for public objections. Notably, one proposal for correction of land use under Section 39A of the TCP Act pertains to a 16,239 square meter plot at Torxem, Pernem, of which the TCP approved the conversion of 10,000 square meters.
Smaller Land Parcels
The other proposals are significantly smaller. In Assagao, Bardez, 499 square meters is proposed for conversion from natural cover in an irrigation command area to settlement. In Salcete, multiple parcels between 200 and 376 square meters are proposed in Raia, Deussua, Sao Jose de Areal, and Cuncolim. Smaller land conversions are also proposed in Bicholim (308 square meters) and Quepem (300 square meters).
Scrutiny and Recommendations
“The town and country planning department, after scrutinising the said proposals, placed such proposals along with its scrutiny reports before the Goa town and country planning board for its recommendation, approval or decision,” said Dagur in the notification.
The two notifications differ sharply in scale and stage. One places proposals in the public domain, while the other grants final approvals, including for large coastal parcels. The TCP's approvals remain subject to ongoing litigation before the high court.
