TCP proposes over 2cr sqm as NDZ across five villages

Panaji: The town and country planning (TCP) department has proposed to classify more than 2 crore sqm (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. It will be one of the largest batches of conservation-oriented zone changes notified in recent months.

The proposals, approved by the TCP board in its 233rd meeting held on May 18, were notified on May 29. Put together, the notified survey numbers cover ecologically sensitive landscapes comprising mangroves, khazan lands, paddy fields, salt pans, water bodies, orchards, natural cover and private forests.

The largest proposal relates to Salvador-do-Mundo in Bardez, where 1,50,30,621sqm of land has been recommended for classification as non-developable area. The land presently comprises private forests, natural cover and natural cover with no-development slopes.

Another major proposal pertains to Carambolim in Tiswadi, where 29,24,921sqm of paddy fields, khazan lands and mangroves have been proposed as non-developable, with the TCP board recommending that areas already acquired by government agencies be excluded.

In Guirim, the department has proposed protection for 11,60,000sqm comprising orchards, paddy fields, irrigation command areas and water bodies. At St Cruz, 9,27,651sqm of mangroves, salt pans, khazan lands and agricultural fields have been recommended for inclusion in the no-development category.

A smaller proposal covers 80,926sqm at Maulinguem in Bicholim, where land presently classified as settlement, natural cover and no-development slopes has been proposed as non-developable area.

The notification also lists additional survey holdings in Terekhol, Arambol, Paliem and Pernem in Pernem taluka; Gancim, Talaulim and Goa Velha in Tiswadi; Betora, Priol and Cuncolim in Ponda; and Dabolim, Cortalim and Sancoale in 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 said that once the objections or suggestions are studied, along with the earlier scrutiny reports, the govt will decide whether to approve the change of zone in the Regional Plan or the Outline Development Plan for the relevant survey numbers.