NOC issued to let Baga hill be converted to settlement
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The iconic image of the Baga hill being covered in buildings under the now scrapped Regional Plan 2011 is one of the most enduring images of the Save Goa campaign spearheaded by the Goa Bachao Andolan in 2007 which led to the cancellation of the RP 2011.
However, shockingly, the new government which promised change has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to allow the conversion of the entire hill, seen across the creek from the Baga beach, into a settlement zone.
Permission was issued way back in April last year but has come to light now, by the deputy town planner giving an NOC allowing settlement to cover the entire zone covering the slopes of Baga hill.
“GBA is aghast that the same Baga hill conversion shown in RP2011 which was revoked after the GBA agitation in 2006 has now once again come back with the present government giving permissions for conversion to settlement,” Dr Sabina Martins convenor of the GBA said.
They have demanded the work be stopped immediately and TCP revoke the NOC with immediate effect on the provision of submission of false information with regard to slopes.
Taking it a step further, the GBA has demanded action against the concerned signatory of the NOC ( deputy. Town Planner ) for acting against the circular and have an enquiry as to how an NOC for construction was provided prior to submission of conversion sanad in the case of S. No261/2 and that the collector/deputy. Collectors be directed to stop issuing conversion sanads on areas beyond the settlement fence of the RP2001.
The granting of permission is yet another instance where permissions are being given in violation of what was promised by the chief minister that they will be given only if they are marked as settlement both in the Regional Plan 2001 as well as the notified Regional Plan 2021.
This was notified through a circular on 9/4/2012 clearly stating that pending notification of a fresh plan, RP 2001 would be used for permissions.
When the RP 2001 settlement line is juxtaposed on RP2021 on the same survey numbers, it is clearly half the area thus indicating a large increase in settlement area.
Construction above slopes of 1/4 is not permissible according to the TCP Act. However, despite a major portion of the area being on steep slopes of 1/3, plans have been passed and roads are already being developed accordingly and on 5/10/2013, the Addl Collector requested TCP clearance for issuance of conversion sanad. This is contrary to the usual procedure for normal citizen where conversion sanad is to be provided before construction licences.
