PANAJI
Goa government has mooted to rope in an institute of national repute to conduct a complete and comprehensive study on the carrying capacity of the State -- which is currently under fire for unplanned development and for promoting mega projects. The study is expected to commence this year.
The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustain without getting degraded. The State authorities believe that the carrying capacity assessment is required as Goa is a leading destination for second home among North Indians, apart from growing tourism.
“An assessment of the carrying capacity of the State will be carried out and planning will be accordingly done to achieve the goal of Vikasit Goa and Vikasit Bharat, 2047,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant proposed in the State Budget 2025-26.
Officials said that the study will determine how much load Goa can handle in the current situation and what kind of infrastructure boost and other basic amenities like power, and water would be needed for the future.
“Based on the carrying capacity, where tourism can be encouraged, in what manner, and what practices need to be followed can be decided. We will also be in a position to understand how far the State can promote real estate, considering the growing demand,” the official said.
A project by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is underway to ascertain the carrying capacity of the coastal areas in the State.
