Goa Authorities reviews Irregularities in Bhutani Project after NGO Complaint

The Town and Country Planning (TCP) department of Goa has directed the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) to investigate concerns raised by the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) regarding the Bhutani project at Sancoale. MPDA has been given 15 days to review the alleged irregularities and take appropriate action.

In October, GBA called for the immediate cancellation of all approvals granted to the large-scale housing project. The NGO alleged that the project, which has a built-up area of 85,886 square meters, lacks the mandatory environmental clearance required for developments exceeding 20,000 square meters.

Additionally, GBA highlighted the absence of proper road access, which is essential for such a large project. The organization also pointed out that the land was previously classified as private forest land, raising further concerns about its use for construction.

As part of its review, MPDA has been tasked with identifying instances of non-compliance, as well as any missing or misrepresented information in the approvals granted to the project. If violations are confirmed, authorities may take action, including revoking approvals or imposing penalties on the developers.

This marks the second time that the TCP department has instructed MPDA to verify whether the Bhutani project adhered to all regulatory norms during its approval process. The latest directive underscores growing scrutiny over large-scale construction projects in the state and their adherence to environmental and planning regulations. Activists argue that unchecked development in ecologically sensitive areas could lead to irreversible environmental damage, making stringent oversight essential.