Goa, July 17 -- Citizens from across Goa gathered outside the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department on Friday to protest against Section 39A of the TCP Act, demanding that the provision be scrapped.

Holding placards and raising slogans, the protesters expressed concerns over land conversions, environmental protection and the need for greater transparency in the state's planning process. They alleged that Section 39A could facilitate unchecked development and adversely impact Goa's fragile ecology.

The demonstrators urged the state government to repeal the provision, saying it was essential to protect agricultural land, green spaces and environmentally sensitive areas from indiscriminate development.

Participants also called for a ...