PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asserted that the government recognises the importance of protecting the State’s environment while claiming it balances the use and protection of natural resources to avoid ecological degradation.
“The Goa government is aware of the importance of preserving the State’s natural resources, particularly its land resources and biodiversity. A series of proactive measures have been introduced to ensure the protection and sustainable management of these critical assets,” he said.
The CM further explained the implementation of the Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Act to prevent misuse and restrict non-agricultural activities on farmland, an amendment to Section 32 of the Goa Land Revenue Code that has reinforced the Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Act, 2023, and an increase in conversion charges from Rs 200 per square metre to Rs 1,000 per square metre to maintain green cover.
The previous rates have been retained for land parcels up to 500 square metres for the benefit of the general public.
The cabinet also recently approved increasing land rates in Bardez and Pernem by 2.6 times, while continuing the older rates for land parcels under 500 square metres.
“The government has also constituted a committee to study landslides and propose restoration measures in the State. In addition, the Goa Biodiversity Board has taken up the Notification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites, Wetland Conservation (15 Wetlands Notified), the State Action Plan for Climate Change, and the Village-level People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), which are some of the measures taken to protect Goa’s landscape,” Sawant added.
“With these initiatives, we will continue to bring in measures to ensure the preservation of Goa’s natural heritage for future generations.”
