GFP to push for law ensuring uniform look for buildings in Goa

Goa Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai today said the Town and Country Planning Act needs to be amended so that the new constructions in the state have a uniform facade.
"Architectural heritage of Goa needs to be preserved, for which we have to come out with specific measures," Sardesai told PTI.
Sardesai belongs to Goa Forward Party, an alliance partner of ruling BJP.
GFP would be taking up certain issues, including the preservation of Goa's architectural heritage, at a meeting on April 17 where the common minimum programme of the new government would be decided, Sardesai said.
"We want to make all new buildings look similar with a particular kind of facade which will reflect the Goan architecture," he said.

GFP will also take up the issue of amending the existing laws to stop or regulate sale of land to non-Goans, he said, as the party had contested the Assembly elections on the plank of 'Goa and Goan-ness'.

GFP will also seek revocation of a controversial law which de-classified coconut palm as a 'tree' in 2015.
"We want coconut to be declared as the state tree. We want to save the coconut trees," he said.
Talking about 'unregulated' permissions given to the industry by the Goa Investment Promotion Board, Sardesai said, "We want the Board's functioning to be tightened. Right now it is very easy to put up projects in eco-sensitive areas."

GFP will also raise issues such as subsidising rice, fish and local bread, which was a part of its election manifesto, Sardesai said.