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Goa's town & country planning law to allow 'fixing of errors' in regional plan

The Goa government has recently introduced the Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2023, which grants the chief town planner (planning) authority to modify or change zones and attributes in a regional plan. The new legislation allows the chief town planner to correct any unintentional errors in a notified regional plan. The government can direct the chief town planner to carry out such alterations or modifications if they believe it is necessary to rectify any inadvertent errors or inconsistencies in the zoning proposals.

The TCP department's chief town planner, James Mathew, announced that the new norm came into effect on March 2. Along with this, the Goa Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Act, 2023, also came into force. The amended land and building construction code aim to make it easier for the government to undertake land development for affordable housing and economically weaker sections (EWS).

The amended legislation allows the government to "relax any provision" of building regulations if the construction is for affordable housing. However, during the assembly's winter session, the opposition criticized the new norms, stating that they give the government "blanket powers" to violate established planning and construction laws. TCP minister Vishwajit Rane introduced the amendments during the winter session of the assembly.

The amendment to the land development and building construction code is a welcome move, given the current housing crisis in Goa. The state has seen a significant increase in real estate prices in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to own a home. The new legislation will facilitate the construction of affordable housing, which will be a boon for those in need.

The new legislation also grants the chief town planner (planning) the power to modify or alter zones and attributes in a regional plan. This will enable the government to address any inconsistencies or errors in the zoning proposals, thereby ensuring that the regional plan is comprehensive and accurate. 

In conclusion, the amendments to the land development and building construction code and the Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2023, are significant steps towards addressing the housing crisis in Goa. The government must ensure that these amendments are implemented effectively and do not compromise safety or the environment. It is crucial to strike a balance between facilitating affordable housing and ensuring that construction proceeds as planned.

 

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