In a long-overdue and much-needed move, the Goa government has announced its decision to regularise over one lakh houses built before 1972, including those on Alvara and Bhatkar lands – provided they are reflected in official survey plans. Beginning August 1, the process will include issuing two key certificates: the Settlement Land Certificate from the Deputy Collector and the Structure Regularisation Certificate from the Panchayat or Municipality, depending on jurisdiction.
This step, formalised after a Cabinet meeting and clarified through three official circulars, marks a significant turning point in addressing long-standing confusion over the legality of thousands of Goan homes.
The timing and scope of this decision are both appropriate and commendable. It addresses a fundamental issue that has plagued Goan families for decades: the uncertainty over whether their ancestral or inherited homes are “legal” or subject to demolition or bureaucratic roadblocks.
Many of these homes—built before 1972 and appearing in survey plans—are part of Goa’s cultural and architectural heritage. By recognising their legitimacy, the government is not only delivering long-awaited justice but also preserving the identity and integrity of rural and semi-urban Goa.
Regularising these houses will also bring much-needed clarity to land ownership records and streamline governance. Many of these properties have been in legal limbo for generations, complicating inheritance, renovation, sale, or even obtaining basic utilities like water and electricity. The issuance of formal certificates will offer homeowners not just legal recognition but also access to government schemes, bank loans, and security of tenure. This process can be a foundation for further reforms in urban planning and rural development.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s emphasis that the regularisation will cover even those homes located on Alvara or Bhatkar lands—historically complex land tenure systems in Goa—adds further inclusivity to the policy.
These land categories have long been a grey area in terms of ownership and rights, often leaving occupants vulnerable to legal challenges. The state government’s move acknowledges the reality on the ground and provides a legal framework for what has, until now, existed in a precarious state.
However, while this step deserves appreciation, it must be implemented with strict safeguards. The eligibility criteria are clear: the house must appear on survey plans from the early 1970s. This provision must be non-negotiable. The regularisation process should not become a backdoor for encroachers or recent settlers to legitimise illegal constructions, especially those on communidade lands—traditional village community lands that are protected by law and form a unique part of Goa’s socio-cultural fabric.
Unfortunately, in recent years, political appeasement and vote-bank politics have led to a blind eye being turned towards rampant illegal settlements, especially those by migrant populations on communidade or forest land. This not only puts pressure on local infrastructure but also erodes community trust and creates deep-rooted tensions between locals and outsiders. Supporting such illegal constructions while ignoring historically rooted Goan households would be a grave injustice.
Therefore, while we support the government’s decision to regularise legitimate old structures, we urge strict enforcement against any attempts to misuse this policy. The regularisation process must be transparent, technology-driven, and free from political interference. Satellite imagery, land records, and survey maps should be used to verify claims, and any fraudulent applications must be rejected with zero tolerance.
Furthermore, the government should ensure that this move is not just a one-time bureaucratic exercise but part of a broader housing and land reform strategy. Clear zoning laws, enforcement against illegal land grabs, and updated cadastral surveys are all necessary if Goa is to avoid the pitfalls of chaotic urbanisation seen in other parts of India.
In conclusion, the Goa government has taken a bold and thoughtful decision that deserves recognition and support. It honours history, restores legal clarity, and brings peace of mind to thousands of Goan families. But it must be accompanied by firm action against encroachments and a refusal to yield to political expediency. Let this be a step toward a balanced and just land policy—one that values heritage, enforces the law, and safeguards Goa’s unique landscape for generations to come.
