Goa declares 82 lakh sqmt of land as No-Development Zone

In a major step toward environmental conservation, the Goa Government has declared more than 82 lakh square metres of land as a No-Development Zone (NDZ) to safeguard eco-sensitive regions and prevent unregulated construction on hills and mounds.

According to officials from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, the decision was approved by the TCP Board and covers areas including Majorda, Gonsua, and several other locations. In total, over 82,85,000 square metres have been brought under the NDZ category.

The move is aimed at protecting hill slopes and mound areas where unchecked construction activities have sparked ecological concerns.

“Over 82 lakh square metres have been declared as No-Development Zone,” an official communication stated, adding that the initiative seeks to curb the flattening of hills and preserve Goa’s natural topography.

In another significant development for the State’s environmental protection efforts, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved a proposal by the Goa Forest Department to declare 6.72 crore square metres of land along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones.

The approval empowers the State Government to restrict future development activities in these areas, which are considered crucial for preserving the fragile river ecosystem.

Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said the protected riverine zone spans 6,729.54 hectares and includes ecologically important regions essential for maintaining environmental balance.

The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Goa Forest Department to the Centre. Recently, the Forest Ministry also informed the State Town and Country Planning Department that no development activities should be permitted within the designated area.

Rane had earlier directed the Forest Department to take strict measures against unregulated development along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks.

The minister further said that the Government is also planning to declare rice fields and low-lying areas as No-Development Zones under existing legal provisions.

“Rice fields and low-lying areas will be declared NDZ to protect the ecology,” Rane said, stressing that the policy aims to prevent the misuse of agricultural land and preserve Goa’s green cover and ecological balance.