Building on steep hillsides in Goa, is heavily restricted and generally prohibited by State regulations, although enforcement and zoning changes have been a contentious issue. Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had strongly opposed any construction on hill slopes in the regional plan in 2021. But the government should not wait for the results, enquiry, and punishment, like the Birch by Romeo Lane, at Arpora.
The main laws regulating construction in hilly areas are the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, and the Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Regulations. Generally, construction is not allowed on any area with a slope greater than 25% (1:4 or steeper slope). Geologists have even suggested a stricter limit of 20% due to lateritic soil structures that are susceptible to landslides.
Any cutting or filling of hilly or sloping land (defined as a gradient of 1:10 or more) requires prior written permission from the Chief Town Planner under Section 17A of the TCP Act. Find real gradient, if you will.
The Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) is working to restore the land-use classification of illegally converted hills, identifying several steep slopes as “no development areas”. Landslides, soil erosion, water flow changes and potential impacts on nearby properties and environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and lakes have limited construction on steep slopes.
Despite the rules, Goa continues to worry about illegal hill-cutting and unauthorised development, often facilitated by zoning changes made on paper or through old permits. Who will see this?
The government has issued directives to authorities to monitor and report activities on sloppy hills, focusing on enforcement after earthquake disasters in other regions. This is good news. And now, the good news is that retired Justice Rebelo is voicing the issue of hills. Tragedies must be averted anyhow.
