Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government has notified an amendment to the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, as per which the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department will prepare ‘zoning plans’ to develop panchayat and municipal areas that are not covered under the outline development plans (ODPs).
The amendment was introduced during the monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly held in July-August this year.
The department will prepare the zoning plan after consulting with the concerned local authorities, and it will be within the broad framework of regional plan (RP).
As per the notification issued by Law Secretary Sandip Jacques, the new law provides for transferable development right for posterity, to promote planned development.
The plan will be prepared in consultation with an expert agency or consultant.
The plan will identify the areas for future development and expansion, and areas for new housing, amenities, services and utilities.
Zoning plans for local planning areas will include detailed development of specific areas for housing, shopping centers, industrial areas, civic centers, educational and cultural institutions, rain water harvesting, garbage management, cattle pounds and other public utilities, and control of architectural features, elevation and frontage of buildings and structures.
The amendment also speaks of “dealing satisfactorily with the areas of bad layout or obsolete development, slum areas for relocation of population, providing for open spaces, parks and playgrounds, securing the use of the land in the manner specified in the development plan”.
