an aware investor from Delhi wanted advice today on buying of land in Goa. His questions was simple, "i have land survey map with number, it is agriculture land, can i divide it into plots and develop"? While i was able to respond in terms of what all he needs to find out and be aware of....made me wonder later, why he had to call me?
1)Will it be of help if a set of guidelines were drafted and posted on this website for all such investors. Also, can we perhaps offer a service to check if the prospective land was part of settlement zone or not and duly advice the investor? The standard feedback as per his real estate agent was that don't worry, you can convert and develop...yes... it is between 200 and 500 m from sea but that is no issue, it can be managed...."
2) Can we not have a directory of real-estate agents who are sensitive to the regional issues of development and ecology and not try to misguide the investor? Perhaps those who know of such conscientious people....may recommend these names based on track record.
3) May be we can also have names of those who have the track record of being the land-pimps of this state?
Can we????

Good idea pvmas!! The set of guidelines is a definite possibility. The land check service may need some resources but can be worked out too. I kind of agree with Nigel on the issue of Real Estate agents. However in their defense, I would point out that their line of work is ruthlessly competitive and it is easy to loose sight of sustainable development given the raw smell of money!! Having said that it does not make the crime of misguiding investors pardonable. The list of unscrupulous 'Land pimps' and their crimes must be put out for all to know. If anyone has definite information on this issue please send in your mail to help@savegoa.com

Land pimp? Wouldn't that be all the real estates agents of Goa? I don't know of any estate agent here who will not drool at the prospect of doing business with a non-Goan especially a "Delhiwalla"