PANJIM: Objecting to the revised draft Panjim Outline Development Plan (ODP), the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided not to approve any construction or development plans proposed in the city as per the new ODP 2021 unless the government creates proper infrastructure.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Mayor Surendra Furtado said CCP was not taken into confidence by the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) while approving the draft Panjim ODP.
“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,” Furtado said in presence of his group of councilors.
“The move is null and void and hence we may be constrained to approach the appropriate court for bypassing the local authority and approving the Panjim ODP 2021, illegally,” the Mayor added.
The Corporation has decided that it will not approve any construction or development plans in the city as per the new ODP 2021, unless proper infrastructure is created by the government to reduce congestion in the city.
In a letter to Chief Town Planner ST Putturaju, Furtado pointed out that the new ODP 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 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.
Last month NGPDA had approved the draft Panjim ODP and it has been forwarded to State government for the latter’s nod. The plan had been kept open for public suggestions and comments for a period of two months.
