Proposed NDA tag raises fresh questions in Salcete

Coastal villages demand govt explain the purpose, legality and impact of new TCP classification

These and several other critical questions have become the subject of intense debate across Salcete’s coastal belt after the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board recommended changing the zoning of paddy fields and other ecologically sensitive lands to non-developable area (NDA).

After villages such as Cavelossim and Benaulim raised objections to the TCP’s move to notify lakhs of square metres of land as NDZ and NDA, Carmona, Sernabatim and Colva, besides Varca and Betalbatim have now emerged as the latest villages where extensive land parcels have been recommended for NDA status.

Locals say the government had originally proposed changing the zoning of these lands in the Regional Plan to no-development zones (NDZ). However, at its 235th meeting held on June 10, 2026, the TCP Board approved revised proposals recommending that these parcels in Carmona, Sernabatim and Colva and other places be designated as non-developable area (NDA) instead.

The TCP Department has since issued a public notice inviting suggestions and objections within 30 days of the notification’s publication. “Suggestions, if any, to the proposals may be forwarded to the Chief Town Planner before the expiry of the 30-day period so that the proposals, along with the suggestions, if any, can be placed before the TCP Board for its recommendation/ approval/ decision,” the notification states.

Expressing concern over the new classification, Carmona Sarpanch Sandra Fernandes said the village panchayat has little understanding of what the term NDA actually means. “There is absolutely no clarity on NDA. We came to know about the term only through the notification stating that the TCP Board has recommended NDA status for nearly 30 lakh square metres of fields and other lands in the village,” Fernandes said.

She added that a gram sabha has been convened on Sunday to deliberate on the issue in detail and pass a resolution opposing both the proposed NDZ and NDA classifications. “I have gone through the TCP Act, but I could not find any reference to the term NDA. Against this backdrop, the government needs to explain what exactly NDA means and how it will protect fields, sand dunes and other sensitive areas,” she said.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, who hails from Carmona, also demanded that the government issue a clear definition of the proposed classification.

Carmona says firm ‘No’ to NDA proposal, braces for agitation

MARGAO: Hands went up at a meeting called to oppose the non-developable area (NDA) status recommended by the Town and Country Planning Board to a parcel of land admeasuring 30 lakh square metres in Carmona village.

At a meeting convened by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas at his constituency office at Benaulim on Tuesday, residents were briefed on the implications of the proposed NDA classification for paddy fields and other agricultural lands. Following the discussion, participants raised their hands in a unanimous show of opposition to the TCP’s recommendation.

The villagers also resolved to submit individual objections to the proposal during the public meeting scheduled to be held at Dando Grounds, Benaulim, on July 4. They will also oppose the proposed provisions under Section 39A.

Referring to the TCP’s recommendation to classify around 30 lakh square metres of paddy fields and khazan lands as NDA, Viegas alleged that substantial development had already taken place in the area in violation of existing planning regulations.

“When the government has failed to act against illegal developments over the years, how we can now expect the TCP to protect these fields merely by granting them NDA status?” the MLA questioned.

Calling upon the people of Carmona and the wider Benaulim constituency to prepare for an agitation, Viegas said only a strong public movement could compel the government to withdraw the proposal and safeguard the village’s agricultural lands for future generations.