Team Herald
PANJIM: Observing major lacunae and procedural lapses in the formulation of the Outline Development Plan (ODPs) for Panjim and Calangute-Candolim areas, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board has decided to send them back to be redrafted before the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA).
The decision comes a day after the High Court of Bombay at Goa stayed the letter issued by TCP putting in operation the draft ODP Calangute-Candolim 2025. The formulation of Panjim OPD has also been challenged before the High Court.
“The High Court made observations in case of Calangute-Candolim ODP. We have also taken the hint that there have been lacunae in the process of formulation of ODP for Panjim and Calangute-Candolim. The procedures were not followed,” TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai told media persons after the board meeting. “Therefore, we have decided to send the ODPs back to NPDA, to ensure that all the procedures are followed properly,” the Minister added.
“As per the assurance given on the floor of the House during the last Assembly session, we will ensure that all procedures are followed,” he added.
The Minister said that the Margao ODP is also being sent back to South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) for redrafting.
Sardesai explained that in the case of the Calangute-Candolim ODP, land use map and land use plans were done but the same was not done in the case of Panjim. “Now, the same will have to be done following all procedures,” he added.
The Panjim ODP was initially notified by the TCP board, last year. However, the same was challenged before the High Court by the City Mayor and the ruling corporators, citing several loopholes including that the civic body was not taken into consideration.
Similarly, the draft ODP of Calangute-Candolim was challenged by the then panch members. A petition challenging Margao ODP is also pending before the Court as well as with the Lokayukta for investigation.
Calangute, MLA Michael Lobo said they are taking into consideration everyone before finalising the draft. “It will be kept open for another 60 days for suggestions and objections,” he said.
