I wish to propose that stilt parking with two upper floors be permitted in Arpora-Nagoa village through well-defined planning regulations. Under the existing Town and Country Planning (TCP) framework in Goa, stilt floors used exclusively for parking are generally exempt from Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and building height calculations, enabling more efficient use of land for residential and commercial purposes. However, for environmental and safety considerations, the height of a building should be measured from the top of the stilt level. A stilt-plus-two-floor structure would normally remain within the 9-metre height limit, thereby avoiding the stringent fire-safety requirements applicable to high-rise buildings. Project approvals by the Bardez Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) and the Village Panchayat should continue to be subject to compliance with zoning and planning norms. The permissible FAR must depend on the specific land-use zone. Any request for additional FAR or height beyond prescribed limits should not be permitted, even on payment of premium fees. Such a policy would promote orderly development while preventing future civic issues and environmental stress.
