CM assures TCP Board meeting on March 30
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 27
Black flags fluttered outside the Margao residence of Chief Minister as members of Goa Bachao Abhiyan and village groups sought clarifications from Digambar Kamat on the time-frame of finalizing the Regional Plan 2021 and a total stop to rampant development in eco-sensitive zones.
A delegation led by Sabina Martins strongly demanded that the Chief Minister immediately convene a meeting to discuss various issues with the village groups on mega housing projects, hill cutting, development in eco-sensitive zones et al.
After meeting with the Chief Minister, GBA leader Sabina Martins said the Chief Minister has promised to call a meeting of the Town and Country Planning Board on March 30 to issue instructions on no development in eco-sensitive zones. “We have called for a day-long meeting with the Chief Minister with representatives of various village groups on mega housing, hill cutting. We have demanded that the CM also call the bureaucrats for the meeting”, she said.
Replying to a question, Martins said the village groups and GBA members called on the CM to seek clarifications on why he back tracked on the assurances given to them on March 4 that the RP 2021 will be ready in six months
She said when the delegation asked the Chief Minister on the progress of the Regional Plan, he said the plan for two talukas will be ready by March 31 or the first week of April.
Martins said the delegation strongly raised the issue of indiscriminate development in eco sensitive zones despite assurances by the Chief Minister at the March 4 meeting. “We have pressed for a meeting with the Chief Minister since several issues are pending, including a policy on mega housing, TCP provisions, constructions permitted in properties sans the 10-meter roads. We want a definite answer on each of these issues and the time frame to implement the decisions”, she added.
Martins warned that the GBA and other village groups will have no option than to come back on the streets if the Chief Minister fails to honour his word and fulfill the demands.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister late told newsmen that he has conveyed to the GBA delegation that the Regional Plan 2021 will be finalised at the earliest.
Kamat said he would call for a meeting of the TCP Board to stop all development in eco-sensitive zones, saying the law does not permit constructions in eco sensitive zones, fields and in forest area.
