PANJIM: In a major relief, people of Goa, whose lands have been identified as private forest, will now be able to construct homestead or residential houses up to 250 sq metres as one-time relaxation.
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) during its meeting held on October 28, have decided to recommend granting one-time permission for construction of homestead/ residential houses up to 250 sq metres by the owners of the private area (deemed forest) in Goa in lines with the conditions laid down to Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA).
The matter was discussed and approved following a letter from the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant highlighting the hardship faced by the owners of the private forest- both financially and physically.
Sawant via a letter dated April 16, had informed the Minister that 46 sq km. has been identified as private forests of Goa and further, for approximately 32 sq km area process for identification and demarcation of remaining Private Forest is underway as per directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
“It was further stated that since Private Forest attracts provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the owners of Private Forest are facing hardships, both financial and physical, as well as spend precious time in approaching Central Government for diversion of even a very small part of their private forest area for genuine needs,” the minutes of FAC meeting stated.
Sawant also pointed out that similar to other Project Proponents, the owners are also required to pay applicable cost of Net Present Value, land and cost for Compensatory Afforestation.
“In view of above, it was requested (by Goa CM) that appropriate policy interventions and relaxation in the relevant Acts/rules may be considered by the Ministry to provide appropriate relief and financial incentives to people of Goa, whose land have been identified as private forests,” FAC said.
Accordingly FAC considered the case similar to the private forest areas of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, wherein the Ministry has permits usage of up to 250 sq metres area for residential purpose by homestead owner for bona fide use and not for any commercial ventures.
FAC noted that the permission for residential purpose on forest land is generally not entertained under the provisions of FCA 1980. However, In Uttarakhand the homestead owners have been allowed to obtain permission for construction of residential house over 250 sq. metres.
