Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 11: The Goa government on Saturday sought to dispel public apprehensions over the inclusion of villages in the ongoing 3D land survey of Panaji, Margao and Cuncolim, clarifying that the move is purely technical and aimed at meeting the Centre’s eligibility criteria, and will not lead to urbanisation of panchayat areas.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat in Porvorim, North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav, IAS, said misinformation was being spread regarding the survey. Additional Collector Gurudas Desai and Director of Settlement and Land Records Chandrakant Shetkar were also present.
“These villages will not be urbanised. The inclusion of surrounding panchayat areas is only to fulfil the minimum population and geographical area requirements laid down by the Centre for the 3D digital land survey scheme,” Yadav said.
He explained that Goa’s municipal areas did not meet the prescribed thresholds, making it necessary to include nearby villages. However, he stressed that this would not alter their administrative or legal status.
Shetkar said land surveys conducted nearly five decades ago are outdated and the current 3D survey is a pilot project that will eventually be extended across the state to modernise land records.
Officials also rejected allegations circulating on social media that the survey was linked to the government’s alleged plan to appropriate vacant or inherited land under the Escheats, Forfeitures and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024.
“The claims suggesting land grabbing are completely baseless and aimed at creating fear among citizens,” Yadav asserted, adding that the survey initiative and the Act are two entirely separate processes.
Desai elaborated on the provisions of the Escheats, Forfeitures and Bona Vacantia Act, stating that it was recommended by a one-man commission headed by retired Justice V S Jadhav to address rampant land-grab cases in the state.
He explained that if a property is found to have no legal heirs, the talathi reports the matter to the mamlatdar, following which it is referred to the Deputy Collector. During this period, mutation, partition or conversion of the property is prohibited. A public notice is issued, giving potential heirs one year to raise claims.
“If no heir is traced, the land reverts to the government as an escheat, but it remains in government custody for 10 years. Even during this time, heirs can assert their rights. Only after the completion of 10 years can the land be disposed of through auction,” Desai clarified.
The officials urged citizens not to fall prey to rumours and reiterated that the 3D land survey is intended solely to improve transparency, update land records and support better urban planning in Goa.