Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that the Goa government will formally communicate its decision to convert 554 survey numbers into No Development Zones (NDZ) to the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Speaking to reporters, Rane said the move is aimed at ensuring long-term protection of environmentally sensitive areas that were previously linked to concerns over private forests.According to the minister, the Supreme Court had earlier stayed the removal of private forest areas, prompting the government to explore alternative measures to safeguard these lands. He stated that the same 554 survey numbers have now been brought under NDZ protection and will remain untouched by future development activities.Rane further said that paddy fields and traditional salt pans have also been included under the NDZ framework to preserve Goa’s ecological balance and agricultural heritage. He maintained that the decision does not require any new legislation and can be implemented through existing legal provisions.The government will now inform all concerned authorities, including the Supreme Court and MoEFCC, about the decision. Rane said the measure reflects the state’s commitment to environmental conservation while ensuring clarity regarding the legal status of the protected areas.
Goa to notify Supreme Court, MoEF on NDZ protection plan
