In a 1st, Goa hsg board to develop pvt orchard land
Panaji:
In a first for the state, Goa housing board (GHB) has decided to develop private orchard land in the state on a ratio-sharing basis with the landowner. Private landowners who want to have a joint venture with the GHB to develop their property should have a minimum land parcel of 50,000 sqm.
The GHB will develop the plots, and its share will be put up for auction for locals. The rest of the developed plots will be handed over to the landowner.
GHB chairman Jit Arolkar told
TOI
that the board decided to develop private orchard land so that Goans could get plots to construct their own houses. Arolkar said that any private landowner who has a minimum 50,000 sqm orchard land can approach the GHB for a joint venture to develop the land.
'We will issue a public notice soon to invite private landowners for a joint venture with the board to develop the property,' said Arolkar.
He also said that the board will not develop any land which comes under no-development zone (NDZ), coastal regulations zone (CRZ), and slope, among others.
'This concept will help the board generate revenue and make it self-sufficient, as it is an autonomous body,' said Arolkar.
The chairman said that there would be no financial transaction. 'For example, if the land is developed on a 50% ratio-sharing basis, then 50% of the land would be made available to Goans who want to construct their dream house. We will make 300 sqm plots and, as per the rules and regulations of the board, it would be auctioned to local Goans,' said Arolkar.
He also said that currently, there is no property with the housing board for development, and the board is planning to purchase new properties.
Over the past two decades, Goa has become a hub for multiple properties, flats, and condominiums, he said.
The state is always on the radar of investors across the world, who want to invest in the real estate market here for their second or third homes. Heritage houses and other, larger properties also find ready, wealthy buyers.
'Yet, at the same time, the onus is on state govt to build good quality affordable homes for the citizens, especially those from weaker sections of society,' said a senior official. 'Commercial and industrial properties in Goa have seen a substantial increase in demand. The demand is especially high in prime locations that have good connectivity to the airports, railway stations, and bus stands, closeness to basic amenities such as schools and hospitals.
Demand is also high for projects developed by reputed national and international builders,' he said.
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