In a strategic move to accommodate the growing needs of its population, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department of Goa has approved the conversion of 15 land parcels to settlement zones. The majority of these conversions are concentrated in Ponda taluka, with additional plots designated in Bardez and Ela, Old Goa. This decision aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to adapt land use in response to evolving regional demands, thereby facilitating residential and commercial development in these areas.
Previously classified as orchards, natural cover, or no-development slopes under the Regional Plan for Goa, 2021, these newly approved plots have undergone a significant transformation. The TCP Department executed this reclassification under Section 39A of the Goa TCP Act, which allows for the modification of zoning regulations following applications from landowners. Chief Town Planner (Planning) Rajesh Naik has confirmed that these proposals underwent rigorous scrutiny before receiving approval during TCP board meetings held on July 10 and July 29. As part of the process, a 30-day window has been initiated, allowing stakeholders to submit written objections, ensuring transparency and public participation before the final approval and demarcation.
Since the introduction of Section 39A in February, the TCP Department has received a remarkable 234 land conversion applications, reflecting a heightened demand for reclassification among landowners. This legislative framework empowers the chief town planner to adjust the Regional Plan (RP) or Outline Development Plan (ODP), contingent upon addressing public objections. The approval of these land conversions signifies a pivotal moment for local development, opening avenues for new construction that could significantly alter the urban landscape and bolster the region’s economic growth.
