PANAJI: In a notable shift from recent practices, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department has proposed classifying large contiguous land parcels as non-developable under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, while still keeping the land within settlement zones according to the Regional Plan 2021.
This notification, approved by TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane during a meeting on April 21, addresses three significant land parcels totaling over 2.84 million square meters in Bardez and Pernem, inviting public objections.
The largest parcel, located in Ozorim (Pernem), encompasses 1.52 million square meters, featuring orchards, natural areas, paddy fields, and slopes unsuitable for development. The TCP Board has recommended designating this entire area as non-developable while preserving existing settlement zones.
In Pomburpa (Bardez), a further 910,000 square meters across various survey holdings are proposed for the same non-developable classification, consisting of natural cover, private forests, orchards, and slopes. Development across this extensive parcel will be restricted, except for areas already designated for settlement.
The third proposal concerns 400,000 square meters in Mandrem (Pernem), including orchards, irrigation areas, and slopes, also recommended as non-developable to limit future construction activities.
This move signals a significant departure from prior notifications, which primarily endorsed the gradual conversion of agricultural and natural land into settlement zones.
The timing of this shift aligns with increased opposition to Section 39A of the TCP Act. The “Enough is Enough” movement, led by retired Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, is gaining momentum to challenge Section 39A and piecemeal land conversions.
The proposals will be open for public feedback for 30 days, after which the TCP Board will review the suggestions before making a final decision.
