the goan I network
PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa directed the issue of notices to the Mapusa Municipal Council and the North Goa Planning and Development Authority after the Tenants Association of Camarcasancho Bandh and the Goa Foundation filed a petition challenging the Government’s Town Planning Scheme.
The matter has been kept for hearing on February 25.
The Town Planning Scheme which seeks to bring a huge chunk of khazan lands surrounding Mapusa town especially those along the highway under commercial development has been challenged on grounds that it includes within it large tracts of agricultural and khazan land to be diverted for non-agricultural purposes, an activity not permitted by law.
“Such diversion is in violation of the Goa Land Use Act, 1991, as majority of these fields are covered by the provisions of the Tenancy Act, 1964. If these land use changes are allowed, Mapusa city will lose more than 80% of its agricultural lands (nearly 18 lakh square metres). Further, part of the area under the TPS II which is khazan area was protected and categorised as a No Development Zone under the CRZ Notification 2011 when the ODP was notified,” the Goa Foundation said.
The Goa Foundation has also pointed out that a Town Planning Scheme (TPS) can only be taken up if the majority of owners agree to the scheme and other conditions are met. Petitioner No.1 has already objected to the scheme at the time of preparation of the ODP.
The Tenants Association has also alleged that “no consultation has been carried out, as required under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act with the local elected body, the Mapusa Municipal Council which, being an elected body, would have to ensure consultation with wards.”
