Silvassa TP Scheme Row: Landholders Protest 40% Deduction, Demand Fresh Survey

SILVASSA : A growing wave of anger has erupted among landholders in the Union Territory of Silvassa as authorities continue to remain silent on repeated demands for a fresh ground survey before finalising the Town Planning (TP) Scheme 01(E). The controversy centres around a proposed 40% land deduction, which locals say is excessive and based on outdated geo-spatial mapping.

The draft scheme, prepared by the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Planning and Development Authority, was released in February last year for areas including Amli and Selvas. Since then, thousands of objections have been filed by residents and organisations, warning that the proposed deductions would severely impact housing affordability and land ownership rights.

A key concern raised is that the draft map relies on old geographic data, despite significant changes on the ground due to completed and ongoing construction projects. Landholders argue that without a fresh physical survey, the final TP map will misrepresent actual land conditions, leading to disputes and irreversible losses.

“We are not against development, but a 40 percent deduction without updated ground verification is unjust and unrealistic,” said one landholder representative. “The administration must first understand the present situation on the ground before locking land parcels into a final plan.”

The issue has also reached political corridors. BJP MP Kalaben Delkar has formally submitted a representation urging the administration to reconsider the high deduction rate and ensure transparency in the planning process. She has also stressed that the financial burden on small and middle-class families aspiring to build homes would increase significantly if the proposal is implemented in its current form.

“In Parliament, I have clearly raised that zoning and TP decisions must be revisited with ground reality checks. The current approach risks harming both residents and long-term regional development,” the MP reportedly stated.

Another major concern raised is zoning classification. Industrial stakeholders argue that several operational zones have been incorrectly marked as green zones, restricting expansion and new investments. Industry representatives warn that such classifications may force relocation of units, impact bank financing, and slow down regional economic growth.

Despite repeated objections and formal submissions, no official response or revision has been issued by the administration so far. This silence has intensified frustration among landowners, who are now demanding immediate intervention.

“If corrective steps are not taken soon, the trust between citizens and the planning authority will collapse,” a local resident warned.