No pause to nods under TCP’s Sec 39A till court hearing ends, says Rane

Porvorim: Town and Country planning minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday refused to temporarily halt approvals under TCP’s Section 39A, or pause technical clearances granted for projects that have been legally challenged.

“I cannot give blanket assurances,” said Rane when the opposition demanded that he put permissions on hold till the court proceedings were completed. At the same time, the minister said that he was unable to provide information on land conversions in the state because the matters are sub-judice.Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao called it was a contradiction.During the discussion on the cut motions, Rane also refused to comment on hill-cutting cases and instances that have been reported across the state.The TCP minister said that just 2.9 lakh sqm has been given final approval for change of zone under Section 39A.During the discussion, several MLAs urged govt to begin the process to prepare a new regional plan for the state. MLAs from the treasury benches and the opposition said that a fresh regional plan, formulated after transparent discussions with the people, is required to protect the state’s interests.“Do not touch our hills and do not touch our fields.

Give us this assurance. Regional plan is the need of the hour,” said BJP MLA Michael Lobo.AAP MLA Cruz Silva said that a new regional plan is not only necessary but also an opportunity to understand Goa’s carrying capacity. “The process for the regional plan has to start and it must start with public consultation,” said Silva.GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai said that if govt was against the idea of preparing a fresh regional plan, it could consider implementing a policy for transferable development rights (TDRs). “We need a carrying capacity study. There is no population projection. The urban sprawl is increasing. Stop bringing mega projects in the villages. There is no planning and that is why Goa is becoming a city state,” he said.