GBA: Most of land changes based on few requests

Panaji: Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has alleged that most of the controversial amendments to the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, which are targeting eco-sensitive zones for development, have been prompted by persons or vested interests without any official requests.
The amendments had been proposed by the steering committee in 2021 during then town and country planning minister Chandrakant Kavlekar’s tenure. But they were initially proposed and withdrawn by Vishwajit Rane in September 2022 following strong protests.
GBA recently obtained more than 370 documents under RTI pertaining to discussions and deliberations behind the amendments. Urban planner Tahir Noronha who studied the information has prepared a list of those who have requested the 11-odd amendments and the justification for it, after a detailed study.
Just four amendments were suggested by the Institute of Engineers, CREDAI, Chief minister and Kavlekar.
As per the list, Kavlekar had recommended regularisation of illegal houses over 500 sq m, based on citizens grievances to him that constructions over 500 sq m cannot be considered for regularisation.
Regarding the amendment to allow additional uses in A-1 and A-2, zones, the committee stated that current regulations are too restrictive and other states (though not mentioned) have other uses permitted in agricultural zones. However, GBA contested this claim.
The amendment to increase the size of farm houses to 1,000 sq m didn’t have any formal request on record. GBA questioned the wording on these controversial amendments which are recorded as “the committee was informed”.
GBA alleged that this is a damaging fact, that may imply that the committee was aware of the weak foundations of these amendments, but yet proposed them to the public.