Protecting the natural landscape and maintaining ecological balance has become a huge concern in Goa. Taking this into consideration, the state government of Goa has announced about 82 lakh square meters of land as a No Development Zone (NDZ). This decision will lead to the protection of the fragile ecology of the state. With this declaration, the state government plans to stop unplanned construction and protect hills, slopes, and other eco-sensitive zones across the state.
No Development Zone In Goa
Decision Approved By Town and Country Planning Department (TCP)
A total of 82,85,000 square metres of land has been marked as No Development Zone (NDZ) under the new notification by the state government. The decision was approved by the TCP Board as per the officials of the Town and Country Planning department. This decision covers areas like Gonsua, Majorda, and other nearby regions.
The government mentioned that this decision aims to deal with a growing concern in Goa. This growing concern is the result of rapid construction activities by preventing the cutting and flattening of hills.
Along with this, Goa has also received approval for its environmental protection plans from the Centre. The proposal by the Goa Forest Department has also received approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This proposal is to declare the large stretches along the Zuari and Mandovi riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones.
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No Fresh Development Activities In Ecologically Important Regions
According to the state government, the approval of the riverbank proposal will give authorities the power to stop any fresh development activities. The area identified under this is spread over 6.72 crore square metres or 6,729.54 hectares.
Vishwajit Rane, Forest Minister, mentioned that this approval was necessary to protect the fragile ecosystem around the rivers in Goa. According to him, the forest department had already mentioned that no development activities should be carried out in these areas.
The government is currently planning to bring low-lying areas and rice fields under the NDZ. This move will protect agricultural lands and preserve Goa’s green lands for the future.
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Summing Up
The state government of Goa has declared about 82 lakh square metres of land as NDZ. This decision will help in protecting the fragile ecology of the state. Along with this, the government also approved declaring the large stretches along the Zuari and Mandovi riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones.
