the goan I network
MARGAO
In a bid to remove misconceptions in the minds of people on 16-B Amendment to the TCP Act and apparently to counter the activists raising hue and cry over the much-talked about provision, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has come out with do’s and don’ts in respect of the implementation of provision with regards to conversion of land.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai said the guidelines seek to put in place the do’s and don’ts in conversions. “The TCP has come out with guidelines on Section 16-B since some people have been going about in raising concerns about land conversions under the Amended provision. The guidelines will remove all misconceptions and allay apprehensions, if any, of the public on Section 16-B”, he said, adding “the guidelines were approved at the last meeting of the TCP Board”.
The guidelines for consideration of applications under Section 16-B of the TCP Act seeks to deal with applications in respect of land whose zoning has been reverted to agricultural and non-developable zones in Regional Plan 2021 from Settlement zone in Regional Plan 2001 to be considered on priority as per the merit of each case. The guidelines will also be applicable for individuals who have purchased plots in unauthorized layouts in non-conforming zones, to be considered as per merit of each case.
According to the guidelines areas such as low lying paddy fields, water bodies, khazan lands, flood prone areas, land having slopes more than 25%, forest land including private forest land, land falling in the buffer zone of Wild Life Sanctuaries, tenanted agricultural lands shall not be considered
for change of zone.
Past commitment/approvals/Sanad granted in respect of properties shall be considered in case they do not fall in the land mentioned
For application falling within CRZ areas, comments of the GCZMA shall be obtained while for applications falling under command area of Irrigation project, the Department shall physically verify the status of land and obtain comments of CADA
Comments from Forest Department and Agriculture Department shall be obtained in a time bound manner.
Applications by religious, health and educational institutions and applications for employment generating activity and tourism-related projects could be considered on merits.
Projects which are recommended by Goa Investment Promotion Board shall be given due consideration. The area to be considered under Section 16B shall have adequate access and shall as far as possible be in the vicinity of existing settlement/developed area and projects in isolation from the existing developed area shall be as far as possible discouraged except for public utility and tourism related projects.
An affidavit will have to be obtained from prospective land owners that development of projects other than plotted development would follow green building principles and shall obtain green building certification (Not less than Gold rating) from recognized agencies.
Whenever more number of applications are received from a particular village, its likely impact by way of percentage increase in the settlement area shall be studied and it shall be ensured that the overall structure of the plan and settlement pattern/settlement envelope are not disturbed.
The applicant shall ensure that in the portion wherein change of zone from non-developable to developable zone is affected, the development undertaken shall reflect Goan architecture by incorporating elements of Goan architectural character therein, preferably as seen in heritage areas.
KEY GUIDELINES UNDER SEC 16-B
