NT Reporter
Panaji
The state government has initiated the process to protect more than 82.85 lakh square metres of ecologically sensitive and agriculturally important land in the state by proposing them as ‘non-developable areas’ under the Regional Plan for Goa 2021.
A notification issued by the Town and Country Planning Department stated that the TCP Board in its meeting held on May 4, 2026 approved multiple proposals under Section 39A of the TCP Act, and invited public suggestions within 30 days.
The largest proposed non-developable area is in Querim in Sattari, where around 65.31 lakh square metres of land comprising natural cover, forested slopes and irrigation command areas have been recommended for protection from development.
In Mandrem in Pernem taluka, around 6.44 lakh sqm covering orchards and no-development slopes have been proposed for preservation.
The notification also proposed protection of about 6.63 lakh sqm in Sao Jorge island in Mormugao taluka, classified as protected/reserve forest and heritage landscape area.
In South Goa, around 2.50 lakh sqm of land in Majorda in Salcete has been proposed as a non-developable area.
The area comprises sand dunes, paddy fields, orchards, water bodies and irrigation command areas. This excludes existing settlement zones.
Similarly, approximately 1.95 lakh sqm in Gonsua in Salcete, including khazan land, paddy fields and orchards, have also been recommended for protection from development activities.
The proposals are available for public inspection at the regional plan cell of the TCP Department at Patto, Panaji. Citizens can submit objections or suggestions to the Chief Town Planner (planning) within 30 days from publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.
The TCP Board will take a final decision after considering public feedback received on the proposals.
