As the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) moves ahead with finalizing the Margao Draft Master Plan 2041, a group of concerned citizens has slammed the civic body for issuing just 48 hours’ notice for a key stakeholder meeting scheduled for June 19.
On Tuesday, the MMC issued a public notice inviting stakeholders to attend a presentation on the draft plan. However, residents and civic activists have denounced the short notice as a deliberate attempt to bypass meaningful public consultation.
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“Just 48 hours’ notice for a presentation on the Margao Draft Master Plan 2041 is an insult to public involvement in city planning,” said local activist Prabhav Naik. “Who is this ‘master’? A politician, a crony builder, or a bureaucrat in a hurry?” he questioned. “Margao is not a private estate to be carved up behind closed doors.”
Expressing satisfaction over the victory to compel the government and MMC to give a public presentation of the Draft Master Plan 2041 for Margao city, Convener of Margao Block Congress and Shadow Council for Margao Savio Coutinho appealed to all stakeholders to attend this public presentation and understand what all is good and bad for Margao.
Coutinho alleged that “the defector BJP MLA tried desperately to bulldoze through with the plan.”
“On January 28, 2024, a presentation was given only to MMC councillors, of which hardly 25% of the councillors attended. After we questioned why a public presentation was not provided, a handpicked group of people, most of whom were real estate developers, were called for a presentation at a hotel. Public spirited Citizens of Margao went to the venue of the presentation, but were denied entry”, Coutinho informed.
After several complaint letters to the GSUDA and RTI applications, the decision for a public presentation has emerges, which is indeed a welcome, he added.
He also made a strong demand that the Draft Master Plan 2041 be uploaded on the Municipal website that was recently inaugurated with much fanfare. “Time for filing objections and suggestions also need to be notified Mr Coutinho said.
Environmental activist Pooja Borkar echoed similar concerns, saying, “This is not just about urban development, it’s about preserving Margao’s cultural and ecological character. Rushing the process erodes trust. People need to understand what’s being proposed and how it will affect their lives.”
The group of citizens is calling for the postponement of the meeting and has listed the following demands: A minimum 15-day advance notice for any such consultations, a larger, accessible venue for meaningful public participation, a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the plan and ward-level consultations to ensure localised feedback.
The Margao Master Plan 2041 is a key planning document expected to influence land use, infrastructure, and environmental policies in South Goa’s commercial capital for the next two decades.
