FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Following a public outcry, the State government on Tuesday decided to scrap the controversial proposal to include Old Goa village areas into the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Area (GPPDA).
The proposal was approved by the TCP Board last week. Following the decision, political leaders and Old Goa villagers raised strong protests and demanded scrapping of the proposal.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant held a meeting with Deputy CM and TCP Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar on the issue. During the meeting it was decided to scrap the proposal as approved by the TCP Board.
In a statement issued after the meeting with the CM, Kavlekar said the TCP Department has studied in detail the proposal sent by Se Old Goa Panchayat of including some area of it under the Greater Panaji PDA.
He said the government has also taken into consideration the sentiments expressed by religious bodies.
“I have discussed the issue with CM and in order to maintain the sanctity of the shrines, we have come to conclusion that the proposal of further extending the Kadamba Planning area needs to be scrapped,” Kavlekar said.
The proposal therefore of including more area under GPPDA stands dropped, he said.
