SHWETA KAMAT
shweta@herald-goa.com
It seems that the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is hell bent to prove government’s ‘step-motherly’ treatment to them as far as the city planning process is concerned. However, just like their baseless claim about AMRUT Mission, the corporation seems to be once again on a weak wicket as far their objection to the draft Panjim Outline Development Plan (ODP) is concerned on claim that they were not taken into confidence.
The political rivalry between the CCP ruled by Atanasio Monserrate backed panel against the Panjim MLA and Panjim ODP sub-committee chairman Sidharth Kunkolienkar seems to be the only base for the civic bodies non-thoughtful objection.
While the CCP’s base for objection sounds ‘childish’, nevertheless, the Indian Institute of Architects (AII) Goa Chapter has objected the manner in which the entire planning process is being worked out to ratify the ODP.
CCP’s ruling panel, through a special press conference on October 6, has decided not to approve any construction or development plans proposed in the city as per new ODP 2021 unless proper infrastructure is created by the government alleging that the local body was not consulted in the process. (Many members of the panel were not even aware why the press briefing was called for).
The crunch of the opposition was that North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has finalised the Panjim ODP without consulting the local authority, as mandated in the statutory provisions of law that is section 39(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act. Mayor Surendra Furtado even made a letter to Chief Town Planner ST Putturaju, raising its opposition.
The new ODP, approved by NGPDA, has proposed increase in FAR from existing 100 per cent (S-1) and 0.80 per cent (S-2) to 200 per cent in the settlement zone, while 300 per cent is recommended in the commercial zone against the existing FAR of 200 per cent (C-1).
“The CCP is trying to decongest the city and ease the traffic chaos by taking different steps such us introducing pay parking, one way traffic, etc. On the other hand, the increase in FAR will lead to additional traffic burden,” Furtado said.
However, after proper investigation, the Chief Town planner observed that the CCP was very much aware and consulted on the planning process. “Soon after we got complaint from the CCP, we issued a notice to NGPDA seeking their say. NGPDA submitted details with proper documentation how on different occasions CCP was consulted,” Putturaju said.
“There are some documents which are signed by the Mayor. He has made representation through his official letter head. Even his wife Ruth who is a councillor has signed. NGPDA also produced pictures of Mayor attending their meetings and consultation process,” he added informing that the same is been communicated to CCP and the reply is awaited.
Meanwhile, the IIA has pointed out that the ODP for the urban areas is facing challenges of urbanisation posing threats to the planning areas with reference to existing built environment and infrastructural facilities.
“ODP, as part of a continuous planning process, is bound to have requests for localised zone changes or asking for increase in density (FAR) in bits and parts by certain stake holders in isolation,” IAA Goa chapter chairman Manguesh Prabhugaonkar told Herald.
“Impacts of such isolated insertions in the ODP have to be reviewed and analysed in context with the larger holistic scenario of the towns or else our cities will have several deteriorating growth pockets affecting other good planned areas of the towns,” he lamented.
He said that the parameters for these guidelines needed to be drafted and debated so that all planning areas of all forms are covered in the city plan.
Panjim MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar is on record to say that the sub-committee, which also consists of experts in the field of planning, has undertaken the revised exercise after thorough consultation and study. “The parking is a major issue the city is facing today. Hence, we have proposed special residential and commercial zones in the areas, where old housing colonies exist. We will give them FAR up to 200 metres provided one floor is reserved for parking,” he explained. The sub-committee has also incorporated the Smart City proposal and the Master Plan in the ODP.
