PANJIM: Governor Mridula Sinha has granted assent to the Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, allowing construction of eco-friendly structures within ecologically-sensitive areas, wherein the project proponent will not have to obtain any permission for any conversion or change of zoning or land for undertaking construction.
The cabinet had cleared the ordinance last month and the Governor gave her assent on November 14. The amendment has been notified by the government.
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), who spearheaded the agitation against Regional Plan and illegal land conversions, has strongly objected to the amendment.
As per the amendment, eco-tourism activity can be set up to an extent of 5 percent of the total eco sensitive area and that the minimum area required is not less than 20,000 sq metres.
The project proponent has to obtain prior approval of the State Level Eco Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee or such other authority, licence in terms of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
The ordinance overpowers rules made applicable in the Regional Plan, Outline Development Plan, Land Use Plan and the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968
The eco tourism activity is permitted as per the Eco Sensitive Zone Notification, in Eco Sensitive Zones declared under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Rules framed there under by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
