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The town and country planning (TCP) department in Goa, India, has recently proposed new construction norms for green zones in the state. The new regulations aim to allow the construction of sports complexes, religious structures, yoga centres, and farmhouses in these areas, while still considering environmental concerns. The draft regulations have been issued by the Chief Town Planner (Administration), James Mathew, who has kept a 30-day window open for stakeholders to voice their objections.
One of the proposed changes is to permit the construction of farmhouses on lands zoned for agricultural purposes. However, the land where the farmhouse is being built should be at least 10,000sqm, and the maximum built-up area permissible for a farmhouse will be 500sqm. Additionally, the proposed height restriction for farmhouse construction is 7.6m from ground level to the eaves of the roof. These farmhouses can be constructed on agricultural land as long as the land was not being used to grow rice or classified as a forest in survey records.
For open-air sports or religious structures, the minimum size of the land holding is mandated to be 2 lakh sqm. The maximum floor area ratio (FAR) coverage and height restriction permissible shall be 5% and 7.6m, respectively. The proposed norms also allow yoga and meditation centres to come up, provided the plot is at least 50,000 sqm. The height restriction for such centres has been capped at 7.6m.
It is worth noting that the TCP had notified these draft regulations in September last year but faced strong criticism from environmentalists and activists. They accused the government of destroying fragile eco-sensitive zones to bring in golf courses and film cities. To avoid a backlash, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane decided to withdraw the draft norms. However, the new proposal addresses these concerns and aims to protect the environment while still allowing for development.
Apart from the above changes, the department has also suggested allowing the "common use" of open spaces. This includes using open spaces for utility services such as water towers. New housing societies or residential complexes that go in for redevelopment will need to earmark at least 20% of the parking slots for electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the draft norms provide for the regularisation of unauthorised structures which have an area of more than 500sqm, as long as they were built before December 2020.
In conclusion, the proposed changes to the construction norms in Goa aim to balance development with environmental concerns. The regulations will permit the construction of sports complexes, religious structures, yoga centres, and farmhouses in green zones, provided they meet certain criteria. The draft norms also suggest allowing the "common use" of open spaces and the regularisation of unauthorised structures. The department has kept a window open for stakeholders to voice their objections, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.
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