PANAJI
The Old Goa Gram Sabha on Sunday resolved to undertake a carrying capacity study of the village, particularly its heritage areas, and decided that no permissions for new mega projects would be granted until the study is completed.
The resolution was passed during a Gram Sabha meeting that also voiced strong opposition to zone changes under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. The village, which houses a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen growing concerns over unregulated development.
The Gram Sabha decided to formally write to the panchayat, urging it to commission the carrying capacity assessment at the earliest. It was further resolved that, pending the report, no new mega development projects should be permitted in the area.
In addition, the panchayat will write to the TCP department seeking rejection of all applications for zone changes within the village.
The meeting also discussed the 10-point charter put forward by the “Enough is Enough” campaign, which was unanimously adopted. Among its key demands is opposition to casinos operating in the River Mandovi.
The charter emphasises that all development in the state must adhere strictly to the Regional Plan and Outline Development Plans (ODPs) as long as they remain in force. It also calls for the introduction of an ordinance or legislation to repeal amendments to the TCP Act, specifically Sections 17(2) and 39A and any other provisions that allow changes in zoning, land use, or increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) where road widths do not meet legal requirements.
The Gram Sabha reiterated the need for sustainable and regulated development to protect Old Goa’s heritage and ecological balance.
