MARGAO: Farmers, landowners, and residents of Aquem-Baixo, Colmorod, and areas south of the Konkan Railway Station in Margao gathered on Tuesday, demanding a public presentation of the Margao Master Plan 2041. A decision was made to organise a public meeting at Lohia Maidan, followed by a march to the residence of Margao MLA Digamber Kamat to seek an explanation for the denial of a public presentation.
Prompted by a call from former Margao civic Chairperson Savio Coutinho, people gathered to examine the South zone portion of the Master Plan, printed by him for the benefit of the residents in that area. Coutinho emphasised the necessity for authorities to provide a detailed presentation to the general public. He pointed out discrepancies, such as under-cultivation agricultural land being categorised as commercial, and areas with existing buildings being labelled as agricultural.
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Coutinho strongly demanded a public presentation and the return of acquired fields to the farmers. Local farmer Claudius Dias expressed disappointment with political leaders in Margao, recalling past assurances that were not fulfilled. He highlighted efforts to rehabilitate houses and resist Sonsoddo inert waste dumping in 2019.
Jack Mascarenhas of NGO Goenche Fudle Pilge Khatir called for citizens to unite and fight to preserve natural wealth for future generations. It was decided that if the government fails to present the Master Plan to the public within a week, a massive protest will be organised at Lohia Maidan in Margao.
