Panaji: The town and country planning (TCP) department has approved the conversion of 17,518 square metres of land into settlement zones across Goa, while simultaneously inviting public objections and suggestions to proposals seeking the conversion of another 30,034 sqm, according to notifications issued by the department.The land-use changes, processed under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, involve parcels presently classified as natural cover, orchard, paddy field and cultivable land under the Regional Plan for Goa 2021.Together, the approved changes and fresh proposals affect 47,552 sqm of land spread across Bardez, Pernem, Quepem, Ponda, Salcete and Tiswadi talukas.Of this, 17,518 sqm has received final govt approval, resulting in modifications to the Regional Plan. The remaining 30,034 sqm comprises proposals that have been approved by the TCP Board and placed in the public domain for a 30-day consultation process before a final decision is taken by govt.Among the largest approvals is the conversion of 7,604 sqm of natural cover land in Marra, Bardez, to settlement zone. The approval is subject to the condition that any secondary development can be undertaken only after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the forest department.Another significant approval concerns 4,067 sqm of orchard land in Morjim, Pernem, which permits Gangareddy Infra to convert the land into settlement zone.Govt has also approved the conversion of 1,600 sqm in Assagao from natural cover with irrigation command area to settlement zone with irrigation command area. Future development on the property will require clearance from the water resources department.In Siolim, 1,198 sqm of natural cover land has been approved for conversion to settlement zone, subject to prior approval from the forest department.A proposal involving paddy field land in Aldona received only partial approval. While the application sought conversion of 2,650 sqm, govt approved conversion of only 1,450 sqm, observing that this portion was not low-lying. Any future development will require clearance from the agriculture department.
