Team Herald
PANJIM: Raising doubt over the government’s intention to draft a new Regional Plan 2030, Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) said the ambiguity of the existing RP 21 is causing massive destruction and the government’s priority should be a well-drafted plan to plug the current violations and prevent further damage.
“The ambiguity of the present plan is leading to violation of laws. Government unfortunately has no plan in place to curb the ongoing slaughter of the environment and natural resources in the name of development,” GBA convener Sabina Martins told Herald.
“Before going for 2030 planning, think how to plug the existing violation. First think about the present and then plan for the future,” she stated adding, “The government doesn’t want any land use plan in place so that they can at their discretion give permission.”
The State government in its Common Minimum Programme (CMP), released on Monday, assured to draft a clear cut land use policy RP2030.
The government further said that while usage of land under forest, khazan, CRZ (with regulations), steep slope, eco-sensitive zones, wild life and open spaces will not be permitted, owners of these lands, however, could be considered for compensation through transferable development rights. These aspects and other issues shall be part of the deliberations towards putting the policy framework in place.
“We don’t know when RP 2030 will be formulated,” Martins said adding, “Till then the destruction at the current pace will continue with various permissions being granted under Investment Promotion Act, Outline Development Plan, etc, which either overrides RP or are not in sync with the land use plan.”
GBA, which spearheaded the agitation against Regional Plan 2011, said people are not against development. The NGO has demanded an amendment to the existing Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, which is outdated.
