Team Herald
MARGAO: Taking serious note of the government’s intention to implement the amended Goa Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Regulations 2022 Act, now a group of social activists from across the state has commenced a public awareness campaign on the issue in order to oppose the move.
Under the banner of ‘Concerned Citizens’, civil society members of various panchayats held their first awareness campaign programme at the community hall, Camurlim, on Monday with a powerpoint presentation, followed by discussion on the issue.
Recently, in a bid to implement the amended Goa Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Regulations 2022 Act, the State government invited public suggestions and objections within 30 days for the finalisation of the draft regulations.
However, many social activists have already opposed the move of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, stating that the government wants to destroy Goa by implementing the amended Act.
Addressing the gathering, Abhijit Prabhudesai, social activist said that as per the amendments to the regulations, golf courses, film cities, etc will be allowed in agricultural zones.
He appealed to the people and the local leaders to be alert and raise their voice against the amendment in the Act.
Abhijit also highlighted the aspects such as the implications to people and aspects of law, Constitution, panchayat powers etc. He further said that a preliminary review of the proposed amendments show that the TCP Department only wants to dilute the laws only for the rich people to construct large hotels, polluting industries and commercial buildings.
The public notice states that all objections and suggestions to the said draft regulations may be forwarded to Chief Town Planner, before the expiry of the said period of 30 days from the date of publication.
The group of ‘Concerned Citizens’ have also planned to hold more awareness programmes on the issue in other parts of the State. They want citizens to file maximum objections to the amended Act.
Specific objections have been raised against the proposed Central Commercial Business District (CBD) zone where construction with ‘400 FAR’ can come up in green areas. Similar proposals to increase the FARs for hotels, educational institutions and hospitals have also been objected to.
There has also been a major concern about the proposal to allow golf courses and farm houses in hitherto green zones given the amount of water that will be wasted.
The group is also consulting with Comunidade stakeholders to see if the draft rules undermine the Code of Comunidades and Goa Tenancy law.
It may be recalled that the CTP had recently invited the public to submit their suggestions and objections.
