Govt notifies 82.84 lakh sq m of land across Goa as NDZ

PANAJI

In a major decision, the State government has notified around 82.84 lakh square metres of land across Goa as “No Development Zone” (NDZ), effectively freezing construction and development activities in several ecologically sensitive areas of the State.

With the latest notification issued by the department of town and country planning (TCP), the total land reverted or earmarked as NDZ under the Regional Plan has crossed 92 lakh square metres, including nearly 10 lakh square metres notified last month in Pernem.

Speaking to media persons, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane said the move was aimed at protecting ecologically fragile and heritage-rich areas from developmental pressure.

Among the major areas notified is Vagheri Hill in Querim village panchayat of Sattari taluka, spread over 65.31 lakh square metres. The hill, located near the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of the Western Ghats, is among the highest points in the State with an altitude of around 780 metres. The government was facing serious backlash after reports of depleting green cover. The decision was pending since 2022.

Rane said a committee constituted by the Forest Department had observed clearing of green cover for developmental activities in the area, prompting the government to declare it as NDZ. He said the hill has significant natural vegetation, steep slopes and overlaps with irrigation command areas.

The government has also notified Sao-Jeorge Island at Mormugao in South Goa, covering 6.63 lakh square metres, as NDZ considering its ecological sensitivity and heritage value.

In North Goa, around 6.44 lakh square metres of land at Mandrem in Pernem taluka has also been brought under the NDZ category.

Additionally, the TCP Board has approved the declaration of around 2.50 lakh square metres in Majorda village of South Goa as NDZ to protect sand dunes and irrigation command areas.

Construction activities have also been frozen over approximately 1.94 lakh square metres in Gonsua village in Salcete taluka.

The minister said objections and suggestions from the public can be submitted to the Chief Town Planner within 30 days from the date of notification, which was issued on May 7.