The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has urged the Goa government to accelerate the approval process for real estate projects, citing administrative delays and procedural hurdles that are affecting project execution across the state. Developers have reported delays of up to six months in obtaining essential permissions and clearances, affecting construction schedules and increasing compliance-related costs.
The industry body has called on the state government to implement its ease of doing business reforms effectively and ensure time-bound approvals across departments. According to developers, obtaining certificates for water availability, electricity supply and land conversion continues to involve lengthy procedures, with applications passing through multiple levels of the administrative system.
Delays in Land Conversion and Sanad Certificates
One of the key concerns raised by CREDAI-Goa relates to obtaining Sanad certificates required for converting agricultural land into non-agricultural use. Developers have pointed out that although the process is intended to be online, applicants often need to visit multiple government departments and physically follow up on applications.
Avez Mohidin, CEO and founder of Mohidin Properties and Holdings and secretary of CREDAI-Goa, said developers frequently have to approach three to four departments to obtain the required no-objection certificates (NOCs) for land conversion.
He also pointed out that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s assurance of issuing Sanad documents within 45 days has not translated into the expected timelines for developers.
CREDAI has stated that differences in how government departments interpret instructions are adding to procedural difficulties and delaying project approvals.
Water Availability and Electricity Clearances Add to Delays
Water feasibility certificates have also emerged as a concern for developers. According to Mohidin, applications for water availability clearances pass through several administrative levels, including the assistant engineer, executive engineer, superintendent engineer and chief engineer, before reaching the minister for approval. The files then move back through the same hierarchy.
This process can take approximately six months. Developers have argued that water availability should be determined through a simpler mechanism based on whether the required infrastructure is available.
CREDAI has also raised concerns regarding electricity infrastructure. Developers reportedly have to purchase transformers and cables for their projects despite paying infrastructure taxes to the government.
Another issue highlighted by the association involves land conversion requirements for existing developed properties. CREDAI president and Jaibhuvan Group director Rajesh Sheth cited the case of a developer renovating an old building in Panaji who was asked to obtain land conversion permission even though the property was already developed and situated within the city.
The developer was also required to pay a penalty calculated on the property’s current valuation because revenue records continued to classify the land as agricultural.
CREDAI Acknowledges Improvements in Regulatory Processes
While raising concerns over approval delays, CREDAI has acknowledged certain improvements introduced through the government’s deregulation initiatives.
According to Sheth, fire NOCs now have a validity of five years, while pollution control board NOCs have been granted longer validity. Some village panchayats have also introduced online application facilities.
However, the association believes that these measures need to be implemented consistently across departments to improve the overall approval process.
CREDAI’s demand centres on reducing unnecessary administrative procedures, improving coordination between government departments and ensuring predictable approval timelines. Faster clearances, the association believes, would help developers plan projects more efficiently, reduce delays and improve the ease of doing business in Goa’s real estate sector.
