Goa Declares 82 Lakh Sq M No-Development Zone to Protect Hills; Centre Approves Eco-Sensitive Zones along Mandovi-Zuari

The Goa government is planning to bring rice fields and low-lying areas under the No Development Zone category to protect agricultural land, prevent misuse of such spaces, and preserve Goa's green cover for the future.

Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said the decision is necessary to protect Goa's fragile ecosystem around the state’s rivers and hills. He noted that the Forest Department has informed the Town and Country Planning Department that no development should be allowed in these identified areas and directed officials to monitor unchecked construction and land development along the Mandovi and Zuari stretches.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approved the Goa Forest Department's proposal to declare large stretches along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones. The identified area spans 6,729.54 hectares (about 6.72 crore square metres). The approval gives authorities stronger powers to stop fresh development in these ecologically important regions.

The Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board approved a new No Development Zone (NDZ) notification covering more than 82.85 lakh square metres, including Majorda and Gonsua, to curb unplanned construction and protect hills, slopes and eco-sensitive zones. The NDZ aims to prevent cutting and flattening of hills and to preserve Goa's ecological balance.