Govt data shows 168 conversions, Canacona tops list
PANAJI
More than 12.78 lakh square metres of land across Goa has been reclassified as “settlement” under the controversial Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act within just two years, according to data tabled on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
The conversions largely involve land previously classified as orchard, agricultural or natural cover, raising fresh concerns over the pace and impact of such zone changes.
The figures show that since the provision came into force in February 2024, the Department of Town and Country Planning has approved 168 zone conversions under Section 39A. During the same period, the department received 1,346 applications seeking zone changes, including 662 applications in 2024 and 684 in 2025.
In total, 12,78,136 sq m of land parcels have been converted into settlement zones across several talukas, including Canacona, Pernem, Tiswadi, Mormugao, Ponda and Bardez. Notably, no zone change has been recorded in Sattari and Dharbandora talukas.
Taluka-wise data shows Canacona accounting for the highest converted area at 3,25,959 sq m, followed by Tiswadi with 2,77,927 sq m, Pernem with 2,46,624 sq m, and Bardez with 2,40,258 sq m.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Viresh Borkar, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane said that Section 39A does not mandate any audit, inspection or independent review of the approvals. “Applications under Section 39A are processed in a transparent manner,” he told the House.
However, in response to another question by MLA Vijai Sardesai, the Minister acknowledged that the department has not conducted any assessment to evaluate the impact of such zone changes on infrastructure capacity, road networks, drainage systems, groundwater recharge or environmental sustainability.
The Goa government enacted the Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2024, introducing Section 39A to empower the Chief Town Planner (Planning) to alter or modify the Regional Plan or Outline Development Plans based on government directions or individual applications, subject to approval by the TCP Board and a 30-day public notice inviting suggestions.
The provision allows the conversion of land from green zones — including paddy fields, orchards and no-development areas — into settlement zones. Once classified as settlement, such land becomes eligible for residential and commercial construction, often leading to a sharp increase in its market value.
