PANJIM: Plans to include Candolim and Calangute in the Outline Development Plan (ODP) are being temporarily kept on hold, North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) chairman Michel Lobo said on Monday. He also said that if the Regional Plan is released before this, the areas would not be brought under the ODP, “because at the end of the day we want the people to come out and tell us their suggestions and ideas.”
Lobo, who is also the Calangute legislator, said, “Since work is currently underway for Taleigao and Mapusa, we will look to finish them first. It is expected to take another four maybe five months. After these areas are finished, then only will we take to opening ODP plans for Candolim, Calangute and Panjim.”
The overwhelming suggestions received for the current review work ing the Taleigao and Mapusa ODPs required time and work force, he said and added that help would be sought from retired personnel.
“There is a lot of stress on the office in completing the current work being undertaken on the Taleigao and Mapusa ODPs that are currently open to the public for suggestions. We have already received many suggestions that we’ve had to add new files to the ones already existing. We wanted to examine, go through each suggestion along with a site inspection of the areas in the suggested area. We’re currently working with limited staff, so we would like to get additional help from retired staff who we hope to get on board soon. We will take this issue up at the next meeting,” said Lobo.
On being questioned as to whether he had vested interests in including the areas in the ODP rather than the Regional Plan, Lobo claimed that was untrue. “There are a few individuals who are saying this. I am for the people of the area. There needs to be development in the constituency and if they have any objections, I will address them. For the moment, I have not received any objection to these areas being included in the ODP area. Many have feared there will be increase in FAR but we won’t do so,” he said.
He also added that he would take up village-wise inspection with Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza. As part of the plan, Lobo said he was looking to add designated spots to parking and widening of roads rather than buildings and construction.
