PANJIM: The Goenkars Against PDA (GAP) has decided to approach High Court pleading for appropriate directions to the State government to amend the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act to allow planning as per the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment. 

Addressing media persons GAP convener Arturo D’Souza said that they are set to approach High Court by end of this month praying for directions to the government to amend the TCP Act to allow planning with people’s participation. 

“We want government to implement 73rd and 74th amendment of the Constitution, which has granted powers to the people to decide on the planning in their respective villages. We will not allow any planning to take shape at the State or regional level unless the Constitutional amendments are imposed,” D’Souza said. 

He said that the way planning is being undertaken by bringing in more and more areas under planning and development authority, in next few years, Goa will witness the situation similar to that of Kerala today. “In the name of planning, attempts are being made to convert the green patches. No development zones in the Goa University area are brought under PDA,” he said. 

D’Souza expressed discontent the way Greater Panjim Planning and Development Area (GPPDA) is notified by incorporating certain portions of St Cruz, Bambolim plateau and Kadamba plateau. “I don’t understand what this concept is? Assuring to delete all the villages, you have retained certain portions in the PDA. This is basically to satisfy the builders and corporate sectors,” he alleged. 

GAP member Rama Kankonkar said that without consulting the village committees, TCP cannot undertake planning process for their villages.

 “The experts from various fields and villagers need to be a part of the planning process. Any planning sans this, is against the village and the environment,” he said. 

Kankonkar further questioned whether to develop or plan a village, is it necessary to bring them under PDAs.