MARGAO: In a significant development, citizens under the banner of Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK) have filed objections in response to the 30-day public notice period issued by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board regarding zone changes under the Section 39A of TCP Act. This action comes amid widespread protests across Goa concerning this and other TCP amendments.
GFPK president Jack Mascarenhas submitted a letter to the Chief Town Planner (Planning) addressing the proposals approved by the TCP Board. The letter references the recent public notice of TCP notification.
The notification in question approves changes to the Regional Plan for Goa 2021 (RP2021), as per sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Goa TCP (Change of Zone of Land in RP or ODP) Rules, 2024. These changes, approved by the TCP Board in its 202nd meeting, affect a total of 22 properties: 5 in Kundaim, 15 in Usgao (both in Ponda taluka), one in Latambarcem (Bicholim taluka), and one in Poinguinim (Canacona taluka).
GFPK had previously filed suggestions and objections last month regarding two similar notifications. In their latest letter, they expressed concerns that these 22 changes in land use will have detrimental impacts on the environment and the future of Goa’s residents. The organisation argues that these alterations disproportionately affect the equitable rights of people in planning their land.
Mascarenhas pointed out that the constitutional mandate of Article 243ZD allows for participative, scientific, and study-based planning of land. However, he contended that the carefully prepared Regional Plan 2021 is being dismantled piece by piece through individual changes, which could significantly impact projected growth, population, and infrastructure of the affected localities.
In light of these concerns, GFPK has requested the suspension of these changes and has asked for detailed studies to verify the need for the proposed alterations. The letter emphasises the importance of maintaining the integrity of RP2021.
The organisation states that without proper studies and justifications, the zone changes for the 22 properties should be revoked and reverted to their original designations in the current RP 2021. They argue that this is crucial to protect the projected growth, population dynamics, and infrastructure planning of the affected areas.
GFPK has stated that they await a favourable decision on this matter, warning that they may be constrained to seek alternative remedies if their concerns are not addressed. The letter concludes with a formal request for the TCP to provide detailed studies justifying the need for the proposed changes, underlining the organisation’s commitment to ensuring transparent and equitable land use planning in Goa.
This development comes against the backdrop of citizen groups actively holding protests regarding the latest series of TCP amendments and proposed bills to protect the environment of Goa.
