PANJIM: The forthcoming meeting of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board will have a crucial discussion on creating more Planning and Development Authorities (PDAs) in North Goa in view of the district undergoing rapid development. 

Town & Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai backed the need to have more PDAs to streamline developmental work. 

“There is a need to have more PDAs to streamline the developmental work … It is to ensure planned development of fast growing urban areas. We are likely to have more PDAs, especially in North Goa,” he told Herald following a meeting with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar at his official residence at Altinho. 

While Sardesai claimed that the nitty-gritty of the proposal is yet to be discussed comprehensively, there have been suggestions from various quarters for separate bodies to regulate of coastal development and certain outskirt areas which are also developing at a faster pace. 

“We will look at greater Panjim wherein the city and outskirts of Panjim which are fast developing will be included. Even north coastal areas are fast developing,” he said quickly adding, “All these things would be further discussed in the TCP Board meeting on October 30.”

The minister conceded that there was in-principle nod about increase in planned areas which ultimately would lead to more PDAs. “There would be more PDS particularly in the North District because development is mostly concentrated here…”

It is learnt through reliable sources that the North Goa PDA Chairman Michael Lobo would be designated as the Coastal PDA Chairman while another PDA comprising of Panjim, Old Goa and Cumbarjua is also expected to come up. The third PDA is likely to comprise of St Cruz, St Andre and Taleigao, Chairman of which could be Atanasio Monserrate. However there is no official statement in this regard.