1.86 lakh square metres of Goa’s natural cover converted
The recent acts of the Goa state administration have caused concern as they embark on an ambitious land conversion binge, culminating in the conversion of 1.86 lakh square metres of the state’s natural cover into settlements.
The worrying action is being justified as a reform, despite the fact that the instructions for making adjustments and alterations to the Zonal Plan have not yet been released, as specified in Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department article 17 (2).
Controversial land settlement in Goa
The TCP department has taken a contentious decision to convert 186,791 square metres of green space around the state. There are 83,385 square metres of natural cover, 81,425 square metres of manicured land, and 21,981 square metres of paddy fields in this conversion.
Reports have lately surfaced that the TCP department has already authorised roughly 26 applications. These permissions are said to be necessary to correct flaws and inconsistencies in the Proposed Zoning Rules 2023. What is troubling is that these applications were submitted as early as March, raising concerns about the hurried and dubious character of these approvals.
Morjim transformed an astounding 64,000 square metres of land from gardens to settlements.
Furthermore, communities in Assagao village transformed an alarming 63,000 square metres of natural cover. Similarly, in Benaulim village, observers observed the conversion of 16,585 square metres of green ground.
Departmental instructions for zoning changes
The TCP department recently produced recommendations for zoning amendments based on Section 17(2) of the TCP Act 1974, adding to the ongoing dispute. Surprisingly, these standards have been enforced retroactively since March 27, 2023, raising additional concerns.
These guidelines are primarily intended to correct “unintentional errors” in the zoning plan, which include issues such as unaccounted existing structures, commitments overlooked in the plan, misconstrued right-of-way, and incorrect assessment of areas classified as “non-sloping” due to slopes of less than 25%.
The TCP department has constituted a committee of specialists to properly assess the ideas and make choices in accordance with the stated parameters. Nonetheless, the speed and expeditiousness with which the bids have been processed has raised questions about transparency and accountability.
Environmentalists oppose land conversion.
In view of the troubling conditions, three environmental organizations—the Goa Foundation, the Khazan Society of Goa, and the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA)—have filed a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court in Goa. This PIL seeks to overturn Section 17(2) of the Goa Urban and Rural Planning Act 1974, which limits unplanned and arbitrary conversions of privately held property into regional planning districts.
The petitioners contend that this clause not only contradicts constitutional norms, but also allows for quick changes in contentious areas.
The incident aroused public indignation and a heated discussion about the state government’s attitude to land conversion and the conservation of Goa’s natural resources. The outcome of the PIL and the expert committee’s findings would probably have far-reaching implications for future development and conservation initiatives in the state.
