Goa Notifies 82 Lakh Sq Metre Area As No-Development Zone For Hill Protection
Goa declares vast no-development zone to protect hills ecosystems.
In a significant environmental protection move, the Goa government has declared over 82 lakh square metres of land as a No Development Zone (NDZ), aimed at safeguarding hills, slopes, and other ecologically sensitive areas from unregulated construction. The decision is part of the state’s broader effort to curb rapid urbanisation and preserve its fragile natural landscape.
Officials from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department said the proposal was cleared by the TCP Board and covers key areas including Majorda, Gonsua, and surrounding regions. The total area brought under the NDZ notification stands at more than 82,85,000 square metres, marking one of the largest such conservation designations in recent years.
The government has stated that the primary objective of the move is to prevent hill cutting, land flattening, and uncontrolled construction activity, which have become increasingly common due to real estate expansion. Authorities said the decision is intended to maintain ecological balance while ensuring long-term protection of Goa’s natural terrain.
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In a parallel development, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved a proposal by the Goa Forest Department to designate extensive stretches along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones. This includes an area of approximately 6,729.54 hectares, or nearly 6.72 crore square metres, giving authorities stronger regulatory powers over development in these regions.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said the measures are essential to protect Goa’s river ecosystems, adding that the Forest Department has already directed planning authorities to restrict any new development in the identified zones. He also highlighted the need for strict monitoring of ongoing construction activities in vulnerable areas.
The state government is additionally considering extending NDZ protection to rice fields and low-lying agricultural land. Officials said this step is aimed at preventing land-use changes, preserving farmland, and maintaining Goa’s green cover amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and unchecked urban expansion.
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