The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department in Goa has approved 11 applications for zone changes, affecting approximately 1.2 lakh square metres of land designated in the Regional Plan for Goa 2021. Nearly half of this area will be allocated for private development, primarily impacting agricultural lands, including paddy fields and orchards. The TCP has opened a 30-day window for public objections, allowing community input before finalising approvals. Notably, Lilah Project Realty One LLP and Prestige Acres Pvt Ltd received permissions for land conversion in Pernem. Critics express concern over potential losses of agricultural land and green spaces, emphasising the need for sustainable planning.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has recently approved 11 applications for zone changes in Goa, impacting various land areas in the Regional Plan for Goa 2021 and the Outline Development Plans (ODP) for Calangute-Candolim and Parra-Arpora-Nagoa planning regions.
The latest approved changes cover a total area of 1.2 lakh square metres (approximately 1.5 million square feet). Notably, close to half of this area will be converted for use by private developers, with significant implications for the region's agricultural and open spaces. This alteration primarily affects land that has been designated as paddy fields, orchards, irrigation zones, and areas of natural cover.
The TCP Department has opened a 30-day window for public objections and suggestions. Following this period, the TCP board will finalise the approval process. Community feedback plays a crucial role in addressing local concerns regarding land use and development impacts, and citizens can submit their responses during this period.
Among the approved applications, Lilah Project Realty One LLP has been granted permission to convert 57,225 square metres of partly orchard land and no-development slope located in Parcem, Pernem, for settlement purposes. The approval emphasises that the firm cannot develop the orchard land on the no-development slope, reflecting a measured approach to preserving certain agricultural lands amid growing real estate demands.
Another significant approval went to Prestige Acres Pvt Ltd, which seeks to use 24,625 square metres of warehousing land for housing development. Most of the proposed changes are concentrated in the Pernem and Bardez regions, highlighting the increasing interest from real estate firms in these areas.
These approvals come under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, which allows the chief town planner to modify land use plans based on applications from landowners. TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane emphasised that this section aims to balance developmental needs with orderly urban planning.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes, which include maps and detailed notes available for inspection in the Regional Plan Cell. This transparency is aimed at fostering informed public participation in the planning process.
Critics of the approved changes raise concerns about the potential loss of agricultural land and green spaces, which are essential for Goa's ecosystem. The transformation of agricultural land into real estate not only affects local food production but also alters the landscape and cultural fabric of the region. Citizens are urged to actively engage during the 30-day objection period to voice their opinions on the proposed changes.
In light of these developments, the importance of sustainable planning practices in Goa is more relevant than ever. Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation remains a pressing challenge for planners and developers in the region. As more land is earmarked for private development, the community's involvement in shaping these decisions will be crucial for the future of Goa's landscape.
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