A quiet but important planning debate is unfolding in Goa. Section 39A of the TCP Act, introduced in 2024, gives the Chief Town Planner authority to modify land-use zoning in select cases, opening the door for individuals and entities to seek changes in land classification. Supporters view it as a practical update to ageing land-use plans, while some citizens and environmental groups fear unintended consequences for eco-sensitive zones and traditional landscapes. With tourism and real estate pressures rising, the issue highlights Goa’s ongoing challenge of balancing growth with conservation.
