Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, May 9: In a major step aimed at protecting Goa’s fragile ecology, the state government has declared more than 82 lakh square metres of land as a No Development Zone (NDZ) to curb unplanned construction and safeguard hills, slopes and other eco-sensitive regions across the state.
Officials from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department said the decision was approved by the TCP Board and covers areas including Majorda, Gonsua and nearby regions. The total land notified under the new NDZ category is over 82,85,000 square metres.
The government said the move is intended to prevent cutting and flattening of hills, which has become a growing concern in Goa due to rapid construction activities. Officials added that preserving the natural landscape and maintaining ecological balance remain the key objectives behind the decision.
Meanwhile, Goa has also received a major boost from the Centre for its environmental protection initiatives. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved a proposal submitted by the Goa Forest Department to declare large stretches along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones.
The identified riverbank area spreads across 6,729.54 hectares, equivalent to nearly 6.72 crore square metres. According to the state government, the approval will empower authorities to take stricter action against fresh development activities in these ecologically important regions.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said the decision was necessary to protect the fragile ecosystem surrounding Goa’s major rivers. He added that the Forest Department has already informed the TCP Department that no development activities should be permitted in the identified zones.
The minister had earlier directed officials to closely monitor unchecked construction and land development along the Mandovi and Zuari river stretches.
The Goa government is also planning to bring rice fields and low-lying areas under the NDZ category. According to the minister, the move is aimed at protecting agricultural land, preventing misuse of such spaces and preserving Goa’s green cover for future generations.
The latest measures come amid growing concerns over large-scale construction, hill cutting and environmental degradation across Goa. Environmental groups and local residents have repeatedly raised objections to rapid urbanisation and its impact on the state’s natural resources.