Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Town & Country Planning (TCP) Department has strongly refuted statements made by MLA Jit Arolkar regarding large-scale land conversion in Pernem Taluka, calling the claims “shocking and factually incorrect.”
In a clarification issued by the department, officials stated that contrary to Arolkar’s claim of 60 lakh sq. metres of land being converted, official records show only 21 cases have been finally notified under Section 39A, covering a total area of 2,36,366 sq. metres. The department emphasized that provisional proposals do not amount to land conversion, which follows a strict legal process including scrutiny, objections, and final notification.
“The facts placed before the MLA appear to be incorrect and misleading, resulting in an erroneous public statement. Legislators have a responsibility to ensure accuracy and not misguide the public with unfounded claims,” the statement read.
The TCP Department added that any legislator seeking factual clarification in the future is welcome to approach the department directly, and assured that all development in Goa will continue strictly in accordance with the law, rules, and due process. A detailed note will also be shared with the Chief Minister separately.
