Goa declares 82 lakh sq mt as ‘No Development Zone’ to protect hills, eco-sensitive areas

The Goa government has declared over 82 lakh square metres of land as No Development Zone (NDZ) as part of efforts to protect eco-sensitive zones and prevent unplanned construction on hills, according to Town and Country Planning officals.

The decision, approved by the TCP Board, encompasses areas including Majorda, Gonsua and others, covering a total of 82,85,000+ square metres. The move specifically targets hill slopes and mound areas where construction activities have raised ecological concerns.

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“Over 82 Lakh Sq Mts Declared No Development Zone,” the official communication highlighted, adding that the measure is aimed at curbing the flattening of hills and preserving the natural topography.

Meanwhile in a significant boost to the state’s conservation efforts, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also greenlighted Goa Forest Ministry’s proposal to declare 6.72 crore square metres of land along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as ‘eco-sensitive’.

This Central approval will empower the state government to halt any further development in the region, which is necessary for safeguarding the fragile river ecosystem, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said.

The total area falling in this riverine zone is 6,729.54 hectares, covering key areas considered crucial for maintaining ecological balance, officials said.

The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Goa Forest Department to the Centre. Recently, Rane’s ministry also wrote to the State Town and Country Planning Department, informing it that no development should be allowed in this area. Rane had previously issued directions to the Forest Department to curb unregulated development along these critical waterways.

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized that the government is moving to declare rice fields and low-lying areas as NDZs under existing laws.

“Rice fields and low-lying areas will be declared NDZ to protect the ecology,” Rane said, noting that the policy leverages legal provisions to prevent the misuse of land designated for agriculture and ensure the preservation of the state’s green cover.