PANJIM: A large number of unauthorised structures, illegal construction sites and colonies built in violation of the provisions of the Regional Plan (RP) 2021, have come under the scanner of the Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP), with officials deciding to take strict action against the cognizable offence, at the department’s recent Board meeting. Violators are liable to be sentenced to one-year simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 lakh, said TCP officials.
The TCP Board, headed by Minister Vishwajit Rane, has however decided to allow the sub-division of agriculture and orchard land into smaller plots. “As per the revised regulations, agricultural and orchard land can be sub-divided into smaller plots. Each plot should have a minimum area of 4,000 sq m,” sources said adding that the move was to give relief to those who have already undertaken construction.
During the meeting, TCP members deliberated on the violations of the provisions of Section 16A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, 1974, wherein no person can undertake any work of development in the State in contravention to provisions of the RP.
The Board observed that development projects are undertaken in various parts of Goa in violation of the Act. Sources said that many eco-sensitive zones such as agricultural land or land under orchards and natural cover are developed by means of a sub-division of land, through which plots are made and sold.
“These are unauthorised constructions, as the development of these restricted zones cannot be taken up by obtaining permissions. This has led to the construction of several unauthorised residential colonies and commercial structures, among others,” sources said.
The Board was of the opinion that strict action should be initiated as the offence is cognizable.
Sources said that as per law, the violator will be liable for punishment with simple imprisonment which may extend to one year and a fine of Rs 10 lakh. As a relief, the Board also decided to revise regulations for the sub-division of agricultural and orchard land by bringing back the original provisions notified under the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulation 2010.
