Goa Declares Vast Land Areas as Ecologically Sensitive

The Goa Town and Country Planning Department has announced that more than two crore square metres of land across the state, including numerous private forest areas, have been designated as 'No Development Zone'. This move comes after assessments by the forest department identified these regions as ecologically sensitive.

State minister Vishwajit Rane highlighted that no development will be permitted in these protected zones. Among them, 9.30 lakh square metres near Panaji in the St Cruz village panchayat are marked, which host mangroves and paddy fields. Additionally, the traditional Khazan land in Carambolim village, measuring 29.24 lakh square metres, is included in the NDZ. Other safeguarded zones comprise private forests in Salvador-do-Mundo panchayat near Panaji and areas near Vasco town, combining to 1.50 crore square metres.

(With inputs from agencies.)