TCP moves to protect 31.5L sqm as no development zone under 39A

Panaji: The town and country planning department has issued directions to convert four land parcels totaling 31.5 lakh sqm into a no development area under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act. Once approved, the land parcels will see a change in zone in the Regional Plan for Goa 2021.As per the notification, the proposals cover eco-sensitive land uses including mangroves, salt pans, khazan lands, paddy fields, orchards and a water body, and have been approved by the Goa Town and Country Planning Board on May 18.The largest parcel is at Tiswadi’s Morombi-O-Pequeno, comprising mangroves, salt pan, khazan and paddy fields, with a total area of 13 lakh sqm recommended.At Loutolim, paddy fields and mangroves spread across 13 lakh sqm have been proposed for no development zoning. At Murda in Tiswadi, orchard land, water bodies, mangroves, salt pans, khazan and paddy fields covering 4.6 lakh sqm have been proposed and at Navelim in Salcete, orchard land and khazan spread over 1 lakh sqm have been proposed for no development zoning.TCP has kept a 30 day window for public suggestions or objections. Simultaneously, the department has approved six proposals for conversion of 27,549sqm of land to settlement zone under the Section 39-A in the villages of Reis Magos, Tivim, Oxel, Calangute, Cuncolim and Chorao and has invited objections and suggestions .