MARGAO: Citizens of Margao are frustrated over the government’s refusal to provide a public presentation on the Master Plan for Margao, despite multiple requests and a petition to the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA). Concerns have been raised about the lack of public input in the Master Plan 2041, which locals believe should have incorporated their views.
Considering the South Zone section of the Master Plan proposes development in an area near the railway station currently used for farming, locals say transparency on these matters from the authorities is crucial.
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Farmer groups from other parts of Margao, such as Fatorda, are also seeking clarity on whether their fields will be affected by the planned development.
Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) convenor Savio Coutinho who has obtained further details under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, remarked that the Master Plan seemed to prioritize concretisation over public engagement, raising concerns about the disappearance of green spaces and the cessation of agricultural activities in Margao.
Pointing to a history of similar instances, Coutinho recalled the Comprehensive Development Plan of 2010, which was met with public objections upon its unveiling, leading to its return to GSUDA for revisions.
However, despite this, the plan never resurfaced, leaving the public treasury lighter by Rs 40 lakh.
Coutinho lamented that another Rs 65 lakh was spent by GSUDA on the consultant that prepared the master plan, and questioned the priority of such high expenditure.
Citizens are still sore over the fact that a private presentation was held only for a select few, including the builder lobby, while the common man and even professionals like architects and engineers, besides those who were invited, were left out.
Coutinho added that the Master plan could potentially alter zones in the Margao Outline Development Plan (ODP), under the guise of ‘economic nodes’ that are part of the master plan. Interestingly, the Margao ODP is also facing criticism for not responding to objections raised by many citizens and farmers too.
