Team Herald

PANJIM: In a major decision, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board chaired by Minister Vijai Sardesai on Monday approved the outline development plan (ODP) for Calangute-Candolim villages, which the locals have been strongly objecting to. The Board also considered the land use plan and land use register for Margao, Ponda, Baga-Arpora planning and development areas. It also approved the land use plan and Register and draft ODP for Taleigao covering Greater Panjim Planning and Development Area (GPPDA).

Addressing media persons post meeting, Sardesai said that the Board has approved Calangute-Candolim ODP and will be sent to Government for final approval. He said that the plan was pending since 2015.

“However, at the time of government approval, we will consider some changes in the plan considering the eco-sensitive areas,” he said adding that he has raised strong objection to allowing development in salt pans, which are most eco-sensitive zones. The minister said that the government will also examine the objections and suggestions placed forth by the locals and activists. “But by and large their demand is that they don’t want Calangute-Candolim planning and development area (PDA) but that cannot be accepted,” he stated categorically.

“Census data itself shows that Calangute-Candolim are census towns and hence there is absolutely no scope to reconsider the very existence of PDA,” he added. Sardesai assured that if required a technical committee will be set up to take quick review of the developments that are allowed in eco-sensitive areas or no developmental zones. Appreciating the plan, the minister said that the ODP has proposed many good things like rain water harvesting, parking, educational institutions, solid waste management zone, public utilities, which are need of the hour. The locals have been strongly demanding that the ODP be de-notified as the same has been challenged in High Court. The final hearing in the matter is currently pending.

Sardesai announced that the Board has approved standard procedure for drafting ODPs for all the PDAs and accordingly, Vasco, Mapusa and Panjim will be asked to redraft their plans. “The PDAs were not following the procedure as mandated in the TCP Act. Some were not preparing land use plan and register. Hence, we have now set the standard procedure for all,” he said. He also said that the draft Taleigao ODP will be kept open for public suggestions and objections for 60 days, before approving it.