Team Herald
MARGAO: The Gram Sabha of Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim Village Panchayat, at its meeting on Sunday, unanimously resolved to demand the preparation of a new Regional Plan 2035 (or RP 2031), ensuring active participation of gram sabhas and villagers in the process. The resolution emphasised land use planning that prioritises public interest, environmental sustainability, and the constitutional rights of local communities. It also called for the immediate revocation of controversial provisions in the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act that enable arbitrary zone changes.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The gram sabha demanded data collection and surveys to empower local bodies with accurate tools for inclusive land use planning. Members argued that such a process would align development with community aspirations rather than private profiteering. They also insisted on withdrawing the 2018 order enforcing the flawed Regional Plan 2021 (RP 2021) and maintaining restrictions under RP 2001 and RP 2021 until the new plan is finalised.
Villagers highlighted major discrepancies in RP 2021, accusing it of undermining panchayat and gram sabha efforts. A painstakingly prepared land use map for the area, reflecting sustainable development goals, was ignored in favour of large settlement zones in eco-sensitive areas. These changes, members warned, threaten livelihoods, displace residents, and cause irreversible damage to agricultural lands, CRZ zones, hills, and floodplains.
Fishing and agrarian communities stand to lose their livelihoods, they added, as speculative developments continue to exploit Goa’s ecologicy.
The sabha strongly opposed Sections 17(2) and 39A of the TCP Act, which it criticised for enabling piecemeal land use changes that bypass gram sabhas and concentrate decision-making power in the hands of authorities. Members alleged that these provisions facilitate corruption and private profiteering at the expense of democratic processes. They demanded the immediate repeal of these sections to restore public control over planning.
The reinstatement of RP 2021 in 2018 facilitated large-scale settlement and industrial zones across Goa, with over 13 crore square metres of additional zones sanctioned. Members expressed fears of environmental degradation and the loss of traditional livelihoods.
, urging the government to prioritise sustainability and public welfare in planning decisions.
Copies of the resolution will be submitted to the Governor, Chief Minister, TCP Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Town Planner.
BOX
Key resolutions
Demand for new Regional Plan:*Call for RP 2035/2031 with active participation of villagers and gram sabhas.
*Focus on public interest, environmental sustainability, and community rights.*Ignored sustainable land use maps, favouring large settlement zones in eco-sensitive areas.
Flaws in RP 2021:
*Threatened livelihoods, displaced residents, and damaged agricultural lands and floodplains.Villagers demand repeal of Sections 17(2) & 39A, criticised for enabling arbitrary zone changes and corruption.
Opposition to TCP Act amendments:
Sustainable development:
*Protect land, livelihoods, and Goa’s ecological and cultural heritage.
*Maintain RP 2001 & RP 2021 restrictions until a new plan is finalised.
