Times of India | 4 days ago | 23-09-2022 | 04:59 am
Panaji: The proposed changes to the Goa Land Development & Building Construction Regulations are nothing but a “hurried exercise” to bypass the planning process, said Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA). GBA said that the draft amendments could turn Goa into a “theme park-cum-party slum” which will lead to an environmental disaster.GBA has demanded that the TCP first prepare a Regional Perspective Plan and Outline Development Plans (ODPs) and then frame land development and construction norms that adhere to the regional plan and ODPs.“These ill advised amendments not only reflect badly on the functioning of the TCP department, but on the inability of the state in terms of law enforcement in the case of land illegalities, as well as its inability to create proper infrastructure for its citizens,” said convener of GBA Sabina Martins.GBA has urged people to send in their objections and suggestions to the TCP department and to insist that the Goa Land Development & Building Construction Regulations be dropped immediately. GBA said that it is most concerned about the proposal to regularise unauthorised structures, the increase in FAR and opening up on eco zones for commercial activities and finally the permission for construction where the road width is less than 6m.The TCP’s proposals contradict recent efforts against land grab and will actually encourage illegalities and fraud, said Saha. She added that arbitrary increase in FAR is clearly designed to bypass the process of planning. “The Regional Plan takes years to prepare because it must balance ecological concerns and infrastructure for growth, and take all stakeholders into account,” said Saha. Martins said that “mindless building” will lead to floods, landslides and even fire safety hazards.
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