Goa TCP Proposes Large-Scale Conservation Zone for Ecologically Sensitive Lands
Panaji: The Town and Country Planning (TCP) department of Goa has proposed to classify more than 2 crore square meters (roughly 4,972 acres) of land across five villages in Tiswadi, Bardez, and Bicholim talukas as non-developable area under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act. This initiative is expected to be one of the largest batches of conservation-oriented zone changes notified in recent months.
Details of the Proposals
The proposals, approved by the TCP board during its 233rd meeting held on May 18, were officially notified on May 29. Collectively, the notified survey numbers encompass ecologically sensitive landscapes, including mangroves, khazan lands, paddy fields, salt pans, water bodies, orchards, natural cover, and private forests.
The most significant proposal pertains to Salvador-do-Mundo in Bardez, where 1,50,30,621 square meters of land has been recommended for classification as non-developable. This land currently comprises private forests, natural cover, and no-development slopes.
Another major proposal involves Carambolim in Tiswadi, where 29,24,921 square meters of paddy fields, khazan lands, and mangroves have been proposed as non-developable. The TCP board has recommended that areas already acquired by government agencies be excluded from this classification.
In Guirim, the department has proposed protection for 11,60,000 square meters comprising orchards, paddy fields, irrigation command areas, and water bodies. At St Cruz, 9,27,651 square meters of mangroves, salt pans, khazan lands, and agricultural fields have been recommended for inclusion in the no-development category.
A smaller proposal covers 80,926 square meters at Maulinguem in Bicholim, where land currently classified as settlement, natural cover, and no-development slopes has been proposed as non-developable area.
Broader Exercise and Next Steps
The notification also lists additional survey holdings in Terekhol, Arambol, Paliem, and Pernem (Pernem taluka); Gancim, Talaulim, and Goa Velha (Tiswadi); Betora, Priol, and Cuncolim (Ponda); and Dabolim, Cortalim, and Sancoale (Mormugao) as part of the broader exercise.
Public suggestions and objections have been invited within 30 days before the proposals are placed again before the TCP board for final consideration. TCP Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur stated that once the objections or suggestions are studied, along with earlier scrutiny reports, the government will decide whether to approve the change of zone in the Regional Plan or the Outline Development Plan for the relevant survey numbers.
This initiative underscores the state's commitment to preserving ecologically sensitive areas while balancing developmental needs. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public consultation process to ensure comprehensive and sustainable land-use planning.
