TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Relook needed at regularization laws


The BJP today appears increasingly desperate to hold on to power. With its record of poor governance, widespread corruption, and disregard for the environment being noticed by the electorate, the party seems willing to adopt any measure to secure votes. The latest example is the move to pass laws legalizing illegal houses and encroachments.

While nobody can be against the idea of providing people with dignified housing, the question remains”why give away encroached land? Would it not be more responsible to create affordable and well-planned rental housing or flat schemes instead? 

People must recognize that these short-sighted vote-catching tactics will ultimately harm everyone, including those now being offered legalization of their encroachments. If Goa is to prosper sustainably, such destructive policies must be resisted.

It is encouraging to see certain individuals and groups preparing to challenge this in court. The ruling party’s sole concern is retaining power, even at the cost of Goa’s environment, identity, and future.


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Set up master plan for land usage

STEPHEN DIAS, Dona Paula
Published Oct 3, 2025, 11:40 PM IST
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In the absence of a Regional Plan and a functional Outline Development Plan (ODP), the government should mandate a comprehensive survey of all lands, including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, forests, hills, agricultural areas, built-up zones, and water bodies like rivers. Based on this survey, strict limits should be set on construction, particularly mega-projects, allowing development on only 10“15% of unused land. This approach would control unplanned…

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