MARGAO: The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) on Monday sought more time to file objections and suggestions for the draft Goa Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Regulations 2022, so that there may be good public participation and effective feedback from all stakeholders.

The network has also requested for a translation of the draft in Konkani and Marathi to be uploaded to the TCP website, to make it accessible to consumers from across all sections of society.

“The current time of 30 days from the date of publication in the official Gazette which was August 29, 2022 (September 27 is the last day) provided to the stakeholders and general public to submit their objections has already been reduced by 7 days due to Ganesh Chaturthi holidays, said Roland Martins,” Coordinator-GOACAN.

“The regulations will have a huge impact on the villages of Goa, especially the hinterland talukas of Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari, Sanguem, Quepem, Dharbandora and Canacona,” he added. GOACAN has proposed an extension of 30 days from the date the translated document is uploaded on the TCP website.

In a letter to Chief Town Planner (Administration) James Mathew, GOACAN has pointed out that the very purpose of calling for objections and suggestions to these regulations is to get feedback from professionals like architects, planners and civil engineers among others.

Feedback is also expected from elected representatives from Village Panchayats, Municipal Councils, Zilla Panchayats, MLAs and MPs and the general public. Social media should also be used to circulate the contents of the Official Gazette so that other stakeholders in the real estate and tourism sector are also aware of it.

GOACAN has also pointed out that the newly-elected members of the 186 village panchayats have yet to conduct their regular fortnightly meetings and also the first Gram Sabha meeting is in October this year and so, they will need time to file their objections and suggestions.