TCP Department Approves and Proposes Land Use Changes
The town and country planning (TCP) department of Goa has approved the conversion of 17,518 square metres of land into settlement zones, while simultaneously inviting public objections and suggestions for proposals seeking the conversion of another 30,034 sqm, according to notifications issued by the department. These land-use changes, processed under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, involve parcels currently classified as natural cover, orchard, paddy field, and cultivable land under the Regional Plan for Goa 2021.
Together, the approved changes and fresh proposals affect 47,552 sqm of land spread across Bardez, Pernem, Quepem, Ponda, Salcete, and Tiswadi talukas. Of this, 17,518 sqm has received final government approval, resulting in modifications to the Regional Plan. The remaining 30,034 sqm comprises proposals that have been approved by the TCP Board and placed in the public domain for a 30-day consultation process before a final decision is taken by the government.
Major Approvals: Marra, Morjim, and Assagao
Among the largest approvals is the conversion of 7,604 sqm of natural cover land in Marra, Bardez, to settlement zone. This approval is subject to the condition that any secondary development can be undertaken only after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the forest department. Another significant approval concerns 4,067 sqm of orchard land in Morjim, Pernem, which permits Gangareddy Infra to convert the land into settlement zone.
The government has also approved the conversion of 1,600 sqm in Assagao from natural cover with irrigation command area to settlement zone with irrigation command area. Future development on this property will require clearance from the water resources department. In Siolim, 1,198 sqm of natural cover land has been approved for conversion to settlement zone, subject to prior approval from the forest department.
Partial Approval in Aldona and Conditions Imposed
A proposal involving paddy field land in Aldona received only partial approval. While the application sought conversion of 2,650 sqm, the government approved conversion of only 1,450 sqm, observing that this portion was not low-lying. Any future development will require clearance from the agriculture department.
The TCP department has stipulated various conditions for the approved conversions, including requirements for no-objection certificates from the forest department, water resources department, and agriculture department, depending on the land type and location. These conditions aim to ensure that development does not adversely affect environmentally sensitive areas or agricultural productivity.
Public Consultation on Fresh Proposals
For the 30,034 sqm of land covered by fresh proposals, the TCP Board has approved them and placed them in the public domain for a 30-day consultation period. During this time, members of the public can submit objections and suggestions to the TCP department. After the consultation period, the government will take a final decision on whether to approve these conversions.
The fresh proposals involve land in various talukas, including Bardez, Pernem, Quepem, Ponda, Salcete, and Tiswadi. The department has not yet disclosed the specific locations or applicants for these proposals, but they are expected to be published in the public domain for scrutiny.
Impact on Goa's Regional Plan and Environment
The land-use changes are part of ongoing efforts to update the Regional Plan for Goa 2021, which guides development across the state. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the conversion of natural cover, orchards, and paddy fields into settlement zones, arguing that it could lead to loss of green cover, increased flooding, and strain on infrastructure.
The TCP department, however, maintains that the conversions are necessary to meet the growing demand for housing and development in the state. The conditions imposed on approvals, such as requiring clearances from forest and water resources departments, are intended to mitigate environmental impacts.
