Team Herald
PANJIM: High Court of Bombay at Goa has admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Pilerne Citizens Forum (PCF) against the implementation of Regional Plan of Goa 2021.
The PCF had filed a writ petition against the implementation of Regional Plan of Goa 2021 and illegal adoption of Calangute, Baga and Candolim in the outline development plan (ODP).
The High Court has accepted and admitted the petition and directed the respondents to file their replies within two weeks. The High Court has fixed the next hearing on July 15.
Pilerne Citizens Forum in its petition has pointed out that the government authorities have not mapped the private forests and have not indicated the same in the Regional Plan of Goa 2021. The petitioners have also stated that eco-sensitive areas too have not been indicated and earmarked in the Regional Plan of Goa 2021.
The petitioners have also challenged the amendment to Section 16B of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1974. The amendment, passed by Goa Assembly and assent by the Governor allows the Town and Country Planning Board to make changes requested by parties to the statutory Regional Plan of Goa 2021, on payment of fees.
Pilerne Citizens Forum has also challenged the adoption of the villages of Calangute, Baga and Candolim in the outline development plan .
