Seeks action following amendments to the Goa Panchayati Raj Act
PANAJI
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has called for the implementation of spatial planning by local bodies — panchayats and municipalities — as per the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution, and has written to the Chief Secretary to initiate the process of people's participation in the making of Development Plans.
The Goa Panchayati Raj Act 1994 was amended by the Goa Legislative Assembly to include 'spatial planning' in October 2025 after GBA campaigned for the same, a statement issued by GBA convenor, Sabina Martins said.
"It is the bounden duty of the government to ensure that Development Plans are made as per Article 243ZD of the Constitution outlined in The Goa Panchayati Raj Act and the Rules notified on February 12, 2008," Martins said.
She said article 243ZD (3) states that every district planning committee shall in preparing the Draft Development Plan have regard to matters of common interest between the panchayats and municipalities including spatial planning, sharing of water and other physical and natural resources, the integrated development of infrastructure and environmental conservation.
"GBA has sought an appointment with the Chief Secretary as the Head of the administration to know the process that has been set in motion in various departments subsequent to the amendment of the Panchayati Raj Act 2025," Martins added.
