Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 1: In a major move to curb unregulated development, the Goa Forest Department has designated over 6,700 hectares of land along the banks of the Mandovi River and Zuari River as ecologically sensitive zones, effectively prohibiting commercial construction and casting uncertainty over the future of sand mining in the state.
The decision, covering around 6,729.54 hectares (approximately 67 crore square metres), follows a directive issued by Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane. In a formal communication to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, forest officials identified and delineated “environmentally critical” stretches, urging authorities to enforce planning regulations to safeguard these areas.
The department stated that detailed maps of the identified zones have been submitted for further examination and implementation, with approval from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Once classified as ecologically sensitive, these areas cannot be used for construction or commercial activities, marking a significant shift in Goa’s river management approach towards prioritising environmental conservation over development.
The move is expected to have immediate implications for the mining sector. Sand mining along Goa’s riverbanks has largely remained stalled since 2019, and the latest designation is likely to further complicate any attempts to revive the industry. By declaring these stretches as vulnerable zones, authorities have effectively prohibited sand extraction, adding to existing regulatory and legal challenges.
Environmentalists have long raised concerns over the impact of unchecked construction and mining on the river ecosystems. Officials said the latest directive aims to ensure long-term preservation of the natural state of the rivers amid growing development pressures.
The TCP Department is now expected to incorporate the maps provided by the Forest Department into its planning framework, making future development in these regions subject to strict environmental regulations.