Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira on Thursday questioned Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane over the “piecemeal” changes being made to the Regional Plan via change of zone, which he said were causing “heartburn” in villages across the State. He instead called on the government to begin the process of formulating a new Regional Plan.
“Villages across Goa are erupting over large-scale developments being permitted. It allows a change in demography, landscape and character. Our villages have remained unique and houses have blended with the environment. Mega projects and commercial projects are destroying the nature and character of villages. The piecemeal change of zone is creating heartburn. Mostly the rich and famous are applying for these zone changes, which are being made with high speed, while our people who are applying for zone changes — 100 sq m to 1,000 sq m — are still waiting for their changes to be approved,” Adv Ferreira said while speaking during discussion on demand for grants for TCP Department.
“I would request the Minister: Our RP 2021 horizon is over and therefore it is exhausted. A new Regional Plan should be started by taking everybody into confidence,” Adv Ferreira said.
He also questioned the Minister over an assurance he had given concerning the declaration of the slopes of Salvador do Mundo that fall in the Pomburpa-Ecoxim village panchayat as eco-sensitive.
“These are all no-development slopes, hills, natural cover, and orchards. The minister gave me an assurance on the floor of the House that it would be done, and I have not seen that as yet,” Ferreira said. He noted how private individuals were applying for change of zone and development permissions for these eco-sensitive lands.
The Aldona MLA raised the issue of roads marked in the Regional Plan, which were a cause of worry for residents whose houses were along these roads, especially given the recent High Court order for the demolition of illegal structures along roadsides.
“People are getting notices. An administrative order can be issued to allay the fears of these people,” Adv Carlos said.
He also questioned how the TCP Department was issuing development permissions for constructions when the necessary access roads were not present on site.
“Despite this, TCP is giving development permissions, and after that, the High Court is granting stays. Why is the TCP giving permissions? Even if it is shown, they have to go and physically verify, which means they are not conducting a site inspection,” he said, referring to a circular issued by the TCP Department which stated that no permissions could be given unless t