PANAJI: In a significant development for residents of Ecoxim in Pomburpa, the Supreme Court of India has directed authorities not to rely on the outdated Regional Plan 2001 while granting permissions for the project linked to fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. The Court observed that all permissions must strictly comply with the Regional Plan 2021.

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Case Originated in Bombay High Court at Goa

The matter was initially challenged before the Bombay High Court at Goa, where a petition filed by local petitioner Direndra Phadte was dismissed.

Following the dismissal, Phadte approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention in the issue concerning the proposed development in Ecoxim village.

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Supreme Court’s Observation on Planning Compliance

During the hearing, the Supreme Court made an important observation that authorities should not grant permissions based on the Regional Plan 2001.

The Court stated that all permissions must instead follow the provisions of the Regional Plan 2021, which is currently in force.

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Representation Submitted to Planning Authorities

Following the Court’s observation, Direndra Phadte, along with local villagers, submitted a representation to the Deputy Town Planner in Mapusa and the Secretary of the Pomburpa–Olaulim Village Panchayat.

In the representation, they have demanded that the construction licence issued for the project be revoked and that all approvals be reviewed to ensure strict compliance with the Regional Plan 2021.

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Villagers Seek Action from TCP Department

Phadte and his team have urged the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department and the village panchayat to take appropriate action in accordance with the observations made by the Supreme Court.

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Villagers Welcome the Development

Residents of Ecoxim have welcomed the development, describing it as a major victory in their efforts to ensure that planning regulations and environmental safeguards are properly followed in the area.