The Town and Country Planning Department, headquartered at Panaji, functions through two District Level Offices at Mapusa (North Goa) and Margao (South Goa), along with seven Taluka Level Offices at Tiswadi, Pernem, Bicholim, Ponda, Mormugao, Quepem and Canacona.The Department plays a vital role in guiding planned physical development through Regional Plans and issues technical clearances under the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010, for non-planning areas. It also grants permissions under Section 17A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act,1974, for cutting of hilly land and filling of low-lying areas.