MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Team Herald
Citizens and the Shadow Council for Margao launched scathing allegations, labeling the preparation of the Master Plan for Margao as a colossal scam at the expense of the public exchequer. The accusations, backed by details obtained through RTI inquiries from the GSUDA (Goa State Urban Development Agency), were presented by Shadow Council Convener Savio Coutinho.
According to Coutinho, the contract for the Master Plan preparation, awarded to StudioPOD Design Private Ltd., had expired in February 2023. Despite this, GSUDA allegedly disbursed over 68 lakhs to Studio POD for the Margao Master Plan, even though the contract was no longer valid. GSUDA, however, maintains that the Master Plan preparation is still ongoing.
The press briefing, attended by several notable figures including SCM Convener Savio Coutinho, Jack Mascarenhas (GFPK), Arch Carlos Gracias, Lalan Parsekar, Camara, Jose Maria Miranda, Agriculturist Claudio Colaco, Mara do Carmo, and Clifford Dias, demanded a thorough inquiry into the alleged fraud.
Coutinho further highlighted that the Master Plan seemed to prioritize concreteization over public engagement, raising concerns about the disappearance of green spaces and the cessation of agricultural activities in Margao.
Pointing to a history of similar instances, Coutinho recalled the Comprehensive Development Plan of 2010, which was met with public objections upon its unveiling, leading to its return to GSUDA for revisions. However, despite this, the plan never resurfaced, leaving the public treasury lighter by 40 lakhs.
The Shadow Council announced plans to scrutinize the inputs gathered by StudioPOD from various stakeholders, alleging that apart from the builder lobby and the son of Margao MLA, no other relevant stakeholders were consulted.
Jack Mascarenhas echoed concerns about the absence of a drainage system plan within the Master Plan, warning that inadequate planning could lead Margao down the path of cities like Bangalore, plagued by issues such as flooding despite being considered developed.
Arch Carlos Gracias demanded an explanation regarding the legal basis under which GSUDA had authorized the Master Plan preparation.
The allegations put forth by the Citizens and Shadow Council have sparked demands for transparency and accountability in the preparation of Margao's Master Plan, raising questions about the integrity of the process and its implications for the city's future.
