TCP Halts Development Near Bondvoll Lake in Santa Cruz

By HJ NewsRoom 31 Mar 2026 1 min read

TCP Board imposes a temporary halt on development near Bondvoll Lake. Fresh buffer demarcation by Wetland Authority awaited.

Photo: Fatima Monteiro

In a significant decision affecting Santa Cruz, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board has resolved that no development permissions or technical clearances will be granted within 200 metres of Bondvoll Lake until the Wetland Authority re-demarcates the buffer zone and defines the zone of influence.

The decision was taken during the 228th meeting of the TCP Board, placing a temporary restriction on construction activity around the lake pending fresh delineation by the concerned authority.

Local resident Inacio Domnic Pereira welcomed the move, stating that it reflects concerns raised by the community over the protection of the lake. He acknowledged the support of parish priest Fr Richard Pinheiro and residents who participated in efforts to highlight the issue.

Pereira said the involvement of local residents contributed to bringing attention to the matter and ensuring that safeguards were considered. He added that efforts to protect Bondvoll Lake will continue until stronger measures are in place.