Panaji: Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has strongly opposed the move to increase Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to achieve a 40-metre height for the proposed development at Junta House, stating that such a step does not facilitate better infrastructure but instead exposes “shoddy governance.”

In a statement, GBA Convenor Sabina Martins and Secretary Reboni Saha condemned what they described as short-sighted planning that would make life increasingly unliveable for citizens of Goa. The organisation demanded that the government follow a transparent process, including a complete public hearing, before taking decisions on such public projects.

GBA alleged that bending rules on a project-by-project basis amounts to institutionalising corruption. It said that spot zoning changes and arbitrary height increases have already caused severe problems in several Indian cities by overburdening sewage systems, water supply networks and road infrastructure.

“Instead of learning from these failures, the Cabinet has set a bad precedent by directing the TCP Department to amend rules for super high-density construction in an area that cannot sustain it,” the statement said.

The organisation further alleged that government buildings are increasingly being used to cater to private interests by creating excessive density without considering carrying capacity. It claimed that the TCP Department has already “gone rogue” by granting excessive FAR indiscriminately, resulting in multiple legal challenges, including one filed by GBA.

Highlighting the seriousness of infrastructure stress, GBA cited the example of Greenland Apartments in Panaji, which it said requires around 2,400 cubic metres of water per month but receives only about 30 cubic metres. The group warned that the full impact of large-scale conversions and density increases is yet to be felt.

GBA also questioned the contradiction in the government’s approach, pointing out that while the Chief Minister has expressed concern over water shortages and advised people to stop gardening, the government continues to push for spot increases in FAR for selected projects.

“The government should focus on public infrastructure such as schools, clinics, roads, sewage systems and water supply instead of catering to private interests and promoting unsustainable construction,” GBA stated.

The organisation has demanded that arbitrary increases in FAR be stopped immediately and that public projects be subjected to proper scrutiny, transparency and public participation.