PANJIM: The State government on Thursday introduced the Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill 2016, allowing eco-tourism activities in eco-sensitive zones. The bill grants powers, wherein the project proponent will not have to obtain any permission for conversion or change of zoning of land for undertaking the activities. The bill, supersedes all other Acts, including the Regional Plan 2021.
The bill, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Town and Country Planning Francis D’Souza, states that eco-tourism activities can be set up to an extent of 5 per cent of the total eco-sensitive area and that the minimum area required is not less than 20,000 sq mtrs.
The government had issued an ordinance permitting the eco-tourism development in November, following a cabinet decision. The ordinance had received the Governor’s assent.
“Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or the Regional Plan, Outline Development Plan or Comprehensive Development Plan or a Land Use Plan prepared under this Act, or any of the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 or any other law for time being in force, the applicant is allowed to set up eco- tourism activities in the eco-sensitive zone,” the Bill states.
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. However, will not require any land use, or conversion sanad or change of zoning or area conversion under any other laws.
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 under by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
