Panaji, June 20: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Saturday accused the BJP government of using the proposed No Development Zone (NDZ) notification covering 82.85 lakh square metres as a political exercise to conceal what it described as years of environmental destruction and questionable planning decisions in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, former GPCC President Amit Patkar alleged that the government had suddenly discovered its concern for environmental protection only after permitting large-scale land-use changes through provisions such as Section 17(2) and Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act.

“The people of Goa will not be misled by this exercise. After allowing indiscriminate land conversions and weakening planning safeguards, the government now wants to project itself as the protector of Goa’s environment through the NDZ proposal,” Patkar said.

Patkar Questions Vishwajit Rane Over Section 39A

Patkar directly challenged TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane to explain whether South Indian film star Ram Charan, who is a designated partner of IRAP Infra LLP, was among the “common poor Goans” for whom Section 39A was allegedly introduced.

He recalled that Rane had repeatedly defended Section 39A by stating that it was intended to help ordinary Goans owning small plots of land build houses.

“If Section 39A was genuinely meant for common Goans with plots of 200 to 300 square metres, then how does the government justify planning decisions that appear to favour influential private entities?” Patkar asked.

Objections Over Settlement Zone Conversions

The Congress leader pointed to the same Official Gazette that proposes the NDZ notification and claimed it simultaneously recommends conversion of environmentally sensitive land into Settlement Zones for private entities.

According to Patkar, the Gazette proposes:

Conversion of 18,733 square metres of Natural Cover belonging to KGL Realtors Pvt. Ltd. into Settlement Zone.

Conversion of 9,750 square metres linked to IRAP Infra LLP into Settlement Zone.

Patkar argued that while the government speaks about environmental protection, it continues to facilitate planning benefits for influential private interests.

Demand for Transparency

The Congress questioned what it termed a complete lack of transparency in the NDZ proposal and sought answers on several issues, including:

Why only specific areas were selected for NDZ status.

What scientific criteria were used.

Whether ecological studies were conducted.

Which expert committee recommended the locations.

Why several ecologically sensitive regions were excluded.

Whether Gram Sabhas and Panchayats were consulted.

Whether affected landowners were given a hearing.

Whether any social or economic impact assessment was undertaken.

Patkar maintained that environmental conservation must be based on scientific studies, public consultation and transparency rather than selective planning decisions.

Impact on Farmers and Fishermen

The Congress further warned that poor farmers, fishermen and rural families could become the biggest victims of the proposed NDZ notification.

Patkar claimed that thousands of Goans owning ancestral properties adjoining the proposed NDZ areas remain uncertain about future construction rights, agricultural infrastructure, cattle shelters and livelihood-related activities.

“Once again, ordinary Goans are being asked to sacrifice while influential interests continue to receive planning benefits elsewhere,” he said.

Congress Demands ‘Planning Balance Sheet’

The GPCC demanded that the TCP Department publish a comprehensive account of all land-use changes approved during Vishwajit Rane’s tenure, including:

Total land converted into Settlement Zones.

Land converted for tourism, commercial and industrial projects.

Ecologically sensitive land permitted for development.

Land protected under NDZ notifications.

Planning permissions granted in environmentally sensitive areas.

Approvals granted under Sections 17(2), 39A and other planning provisions.

The party also demanded publication of all scientific reports, technical recommendations and maps related to the NDZ proposal, along with consultations with affected Gram Sabhas and Panchayats before any final notification is issued.

The press conference was attended by Everson Vales, Ranjeet Singh Rane, Olencio Simões, Prashant Gawade, Jayesh Shetgaonkar

Patkar concluded by stating that Goa requires genuine environmental protection backed by transparency and accountability, and not what he termed as “environmental greenwashing” aimed at masking years of controversial planning decisions.