SHWETA KAMAT
It is situated just across the River Mandovi from the capital city, but the area that is known as Porvorim is growing at a pace much faster than Panjim. It is already the legislative capital of the State as the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat are situated there and it’s one of the most preferred residential and commercial localities.
It is almost a satellite town, situated in close proximity to Panjim, and evolving into a mini metro, that besides the State Legislative Assembly and Secretariat, also houses government offices, educational institutions, shopping mall and starred resorts and villas.
It is therefore, not surprising that the ‘Porvorikars’ are now demanding urban status for the area that comes under the panchayats of Salvador do Mundo, Penha de Franca and Socorro. Considered as a suburb of Panjim, Porvorim is considered an up-market residential hub as it lies on the prime Mumbai-Goa highway NH17.
The good news is that the government too feels that the village – which is identified as census town – be given urban status by converting it into a municipal area or nagar panchayat.
Porvorim Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte moved a resolution in the House making a case that Porvorim, which is turning into an urbanized area, needs to be added to the Smart City project along with Panjim.
“Porvorim has its unique identity. The government has to ensure that the countryside characteristic of the town is maintained. What we are asking for is urban status so that we get grants from the government for development and other basic infrastructure,” Khaunte told Herald.
He said that the town is growing at a much faster pace than the capital city Panjim, and hence it is their right to ask for a proper status. “We want that the town be developed in line with the Smart City and AMRUT Mission. I had made this proposal to government, but it was turned down by listing some unwanted and unrealistic reasons,” the MLA stated.
Along with the State Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat, Porvorim is home for Government Departments like Education, Directorate of Technical Education, Goa Board, Kadamba Transport Corporation, Goa Housing Board, Goa Cricket Association, etc.
The State’s biggest shopping mall is situated here, attracting a huge crowd. The Investment Promotion Board (IPB) has granted permission to a real estate Developers’ proposal to construct yet another high- end shopping-cum-entertainment mall at Porvorim. Also a five-star hotel has been approved at Malim in Penha de Franca panchayat.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Development Francis D’Souza said that the government has no problem in granting urban status to Porvorim as it is one of the fastest growing villages. “As per the census report, Porvorim is identified as census town and we want to give them urban status,” the Dy CM said.
D’Souza proposed that the village can either have three separate municipalities (existing panchayats) or can have one big municipality, which will help in better administration and development.
“But there are some political issues there. Some people, including the MLA, want it to be given urban status, while a few are against it. If there is consensus then the government in its next tenure can classify Porvorim as an urban body,” he said.
The town houses some important educational institutions and many housing localities like Journalist Colony, Housing Board Colony, Defense Colony, apart from high-end residential complexes.
