Team Herald
MARGAO: Goa’s urban planning practices have come under severe criticism from activists who are demanding an immediate implementation of a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) to address the state’s growing land use challenges.
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The concerns were raised during a public talk organized by Goyche Fudle Pillge Khatir (GFPK), where certified Architect and Urban Planner Tahir Noronha highlighted the critical gaps in the current planning framework.
“Goa’s unique character is being eroded by haphazard development. The absence of a comprehensive and participatory planning process threatens the very essence of our state,” said GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas, calling for urgent government action. He emphasized that in the face of climate change and increasing pressure on Goa’s environment, a robust and transparent planning framework is more crucial than ever.
The current system’s reliance on repeatedly extended Outline Development Plans (ODPs) without proper justification or comprehensive studies has raised serious concerns among urban planning experts and environmental activists. Noronha cited the example of Panjim, where an ODP originally meant for a 5-year period has been extended and modified for over 23 years, highlighting the systemic issues in the state’s planning approach.
During the talk, Noronha expressed particular concern about the lack of detailed studies and the potential for malafide activities due to the frequent and unjustified extensions of the ODP. He stressed that Goa’s distinctive urban-rural fabric demands a holistic regional planning approach.
GFPK has outlined several comprehensive demands for immediate action. First and foremost, they are calling for an immediate halt to the practice of indefinite ODP extensions, which they argue has contributed to unplanned development patterns across the state.
Additionally, the organization is demanding that the government commission comprehensive studies to inform the development of a CDP. These studies would need to include detailed environmental impact assessments and incorporate meaningful public consultation at every stage of the planning process.
A key aspect of GFPK’s demands focuses on strengthening local governance structures. The organisation emphasizes that effective land use planning necessitates strong participation from panchayats and district-level authorities, who need to be empowered with both the authority and resources to implement and enforce planning regulations effectively.
The activists have also highlighted the importance of public participation in the planning process. They argue that local communities must have a say in development decisions that affect their neighbourhoods and livelihoods, calling for increased transparency in all planning processes.
Looking toward the future, GFPK stressed that responsible and sustainable development is crucial for preserving Goa’s unique heritage. The organization has called upon not just the government but all stakeholders to prioritize a comprehensive and participatory planning approach to safeguard Goa’s heritage and ensure a sustainable future for all its residents.
