Panaji, Sept 20 (PTI) The Town and Country Planning Board in Goa has decided to remove all old settlements and settlement zones from the No Development Zone (NDZ) in a major relief to property owners whose traditional settlements have been covered by restrictions.
Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane said the decision would ensure that existing and old settlement areas are not treated as no-development areas.
“Old settlements and settlement zones have been dropped from the No Development Zone/No Development Areas,” Rane said in a statement.
He clarified that the decision would not dilute protections for environmentally sensitive and ecologically important areas.
“There will be no compromise on private forests, Khazan lands, salt pans, paddy fields, low-lying areas, non-development slopes and mangroves,” Rane added.
The move comes amid continuing debate in Goa over land-use zoning and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas under the state’s planning framework.
The TCP Department prepares and implements the Regional Plan for Goa and outlines Development Plans and zoning plans for notified planning areas and towns. PTI RPS NSK
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