PANAJI
Amid growing concerns raised by Opposition MLAs and villagers over the zoning of traditional settlements, Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday announced that old settlements and settlement pockets classified earlier under No Development Zones (NDZs) and No Development Areas (NDAs) will be removed from these classifications. Rane said the decision was being taken in response to the concerns of people living in these settlements, many of whom have occupied the areas for generations. "On the demand of people affected by the earlier zoning of their traditional settlements, the TCP Department has taken an important step to address their concerns," Rane said. "Old settlements and settlement pockets mapped under No Development Areas and No Development Zones will be dropped from these classifications, bringing relief to families who have lived in these areas for generations," he announced. The move is expected to provide relief to families affected by earlier zoning classifications and address concerns over restrictions on development within established settlement pockets.
At the same time, the Minister clarified that the move would not dilute environmental safeguards. He said private forests, khazan lands, salt pans, paddy fields, low-lying areas, mangroves and non-development slopes would continue to remain protected, with existing rules being strictly enforced.
The TCP Minister said the objective was to ensure that development reaches people while respecting State's environment and its distinct character.
The announcement comes amid sustained concerns from villagers and Opposition legislators over zoning classifications and their impact on traditional settlements.
The issue has also been a source of contention in several areas where residents have argued that established habitation should not be treated on par with environmentally sensitive or ecologically vulnerable land.
