The Pilerne Citizens Forum has taken legal action by challenging Sections 17(2) and 39(A) of Goa's Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act in the High Court. The forum, led by convener Prakash Bandodkar, argues that these provisions are being misused to convert green zones illegally, which poses a significant threat to Goa's environment. According to Bandodkar, the court has accepted the forum's application, and a hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The forum is requesting the court to annul these two sections and direct the government to draft a new, sustainable Regional Plan for Goa.
Bandodkar explained that this isn't the first time the forum has raised concerns over the misuse of the TCP Act. In the past, they filed a petition against Section 16(B) of the same act, which was introduced to enable the conversion of land. Even though a court verdict on that matter is still pending, the government introduced Sections 17(2) and 39(A), which the forum views as new instruments to facilitate large-scale land conversion under the guise of development. Bandodkar emphasised that the government, through these provisions, is accelerating the destruction of Goa's ecological heritage.
The forum is particularly alarmed by the conversion of approximately 3 lakh square metres of land in the Saligao constituency, facilitated by Section 17(2). The converted land, which includes agricultural fields and hills, has had its zoning changed to accommodate various projects. These developments, Bandodkar claims, are being pushed forward without adequate consultation or consideration of the long-term environmental consequences.
The forum believes that if the government continues to use these enabling provisions, Goa's natural landscape will suffer irreparable damage. They argue that the current planning mechanisms are primarily serving the interests of private developers and large-scale projects, to the detriment of the state's agricultural and green zones. The forum has therefore urged the court to intervene and halt these practices until a more balanced and environmentally sound Regional Plan is formulated for Goa.
The Pilerne Citizens Forum is calling for the repeal of Sections 17(2) and 39(A) of the Goa TCP Act, highlighting their detrimental impact on the environment and local land use. With concerns over the large-scale conversion of land without proper consultation, the forum emphasises the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to development. They urge the court to intervene to protect Goa's ecological heritage and ensure that planning mechanisms prioritise the state's agricultural and green zones.
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