The Government of Goa issued a Bill on 16th February, 2024 pertaining to the “The Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill, 2024” presenting a legislative proposal aimed at amending the existing Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974.
The proposed amendment seeks to grant the Chief Town Planner (Planning) the authority, under the direction of the government or upon application and approval of the Board, to alter or modify the Regional Plan and/or the Outline Development Plan for the purpose of changing the zone of any land. Notably, this process would involve a 30-day notice period to invite public suggestions, with the stipulation that the overall character of the existing Regional Plan and/or the Outline Development Plan should not be altered. Additionally, the financial memorandum indicates that no financial implications are involved in this bill, and the memorandum regarding delegated legislation states that clause 3 of the bill empowers the government to frame rules in relation to the alteration or modification of the Regional Plan and/or the Outline Development Plan.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons within the document elucidates the purpose of the bill, emphasizing the intent to eliminate provisions from the existing Act and introduce a new provision to facilitate the alteration or modification of the Regional Plan and/or the Outline Development Plan for the purpose of changing the zone of any land. The proposed bill aims to achieve these objectives without entailing any financial implications. Moreover, the memorandum regarding delegated legislation highlights that the bill empowers the government to frame rules concerning the alteration or modification of the Regional Plan and/or the Outline Development Plan, ensuring that any changes made are not in respect of eco-sensitive land, as may be prescribed.
