TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) - Goa Chapter has proposed some significant corrections and changes to the proposed outline development plans (ODPs) of Mapusa and Greater Panjim planning areas thereby suggesting a need for updating the entire land use plan.
IIA, Goa chapter through a press statement issued has informed that two separate representations have been made to the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) and Greater Panjim Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA) on September 2 and 10, putting across their suggestions with regards to the draft ODPs.
IIA is of the view that the ODPs need to take the opportunity of plugging into the requirements of the objective of the Smart City initiative, wherein it needs to improve and enhance the objective of quality of life.
“Existing land register should have included the overall boundaries of the extent of the planning area and the reasons for inclusion of the same as it would have cleared the need for integrated development and natural urban growth for both Mapusa and Greater Panjim,” it said.
The ODPs should have included the land ownership mapping, existing density mapping, current levels of byelaws for better understanding for future planning, mapping of existing levels of infrastructure facilities availability in terms of water, power and sewerage connectivity, mapping of environmental features, nature drainage lines, urban farming areas, etc, all that is missing in the planning document.
“Vision formulation needs to be carried out as a consultative process with various expert groups in Architecture, Town Planning, Builders & Developers, Economists, Ecologists etc,” IIA opined.
It said the vision should include quality of living, level of infrastructure development, economic impetus, ecological and environmental concerns. It has suggested that a co-relation with population and building densities with existing and proposed infrastructure development should be carried out for establishing higher densities or re-densification of existing zones along with integration of water, sanitation, power and solid waste management systems with optimum densities within the planning areas.
Infrastructure zoning should also be carried out for hierarchical development patterns. Integration of open spaces, urban parks, urban forests with rainwater harvesting, storm water management systems and bunds should be integrated in planning.
IIA is of the strong view that vulnerability mapping for urban flooding and disaster management should be included as concerns of resilient development planning.
“Tourism and significance of hinterland development could be looked at with wider broad perspective if the adequate data of base map is drafted with macro and micro level accuracy and by incorporation of ground realities,” it said. It is of the view that redefining the boundaries of heritage zones needs to be undertaken sensitively.
“It is our belief that adequate representation to various buildings and spaces along with environmental heritage are required to be maintained for our future generations. Hence since the sentiments of the citizens need echo in defining this line so as to maintain and project the historical architectural image of the city in tune with tenets of conservation policy,” it said.
The ODP needs to address mobility issues comprehensively and only piecemeal parking localised infrastructure have been incorporated, IIA added.
It pointed out that the draft ODP has proposed high FAR for properties on sloping lands, some of which are too steep to be considered feasible for construction.
“The PDA needs to study the gradients of such sites and rectify all anomalies, wherever detected. Similarly, new public roads are proposed which do not have a feasible road gradient,” IIA said.
