PANAJI
The State Home Department has directed the Town and Country Planning (TCP) and Revenue departments to take necessary action on concerns related to unchecked construction in Goa’s villages, which is reportedly altering their topography and demographic character -- an issue highlighted in a 10-point charter submitted by former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Ferdino Rebello.
The directive follows a communication from the Secretariat of President Droupadi Murmu, which forwarded Justice Rebello’s representation to the State government for appropriate action. In its order, the Home Department, through the Under Secretary (Home-I), has asked both departments to “take necessary action in the matter.”
Justice Rebello had, in February, written to the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining a comprehensive 10-point charter of demands. He also sought a meeting with the Prime Minister, along with a five-member delegation, to present the concerns in person.
The charter stresses that all development in the coastal State must strictly adhere to the Regional Plan and Outline Development Plans. It further calls for an ordinance or legislation to repeal amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, specifically Sections 17(2) and 39(A) which, it argues, allow changes in zoning, land use, and floor area ratio (FAR) even in areas with inadequate road infrastructure.
Among other key demands are a ban on hill cutting and construction on slopes, carrying-capacity studies for villages, strict action against officials enabling illegal developments, enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, tighter environmental clearances, and the removal of offshore casinos.
The demands were also submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The initiative has received backing from senior members of the judiciary, including former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and former Supreme Court judge Abhay Oka.
The move, which is aimed at launching a State-wide movement, signals growing concern over unregulated development in Goa and its potential long-term impact on the State’s environment and local communities.
