Herald: GBA has raised strong objections to the newly-drafted Panjim ODP. Do you think that the move is basically to create an election issue?
Siddharat Kuncolienkar: Yes.
Herald: Is it feasible for a city like Panjim to handle the pressure of special settlement and commercial zones with such huge FAR? How did your committee arrive at this conclusion?
Kuncolienkar: Buildings (still exist), which came up in Panjim were in the 60s and 70s and the technology then was not adapted to the topography of the capital city. Today, many such buildings are in a dilapidated condition and the residents are either forced to stay in such dangerous conditions or they are moving out of Panjim for more affordable destinations. These buildings wish to go for redevelopment and I think they should be helped. That is what we are doing.
Herald: How will the revised ODP help in decongesting the city and improving the quality of life?
Kuncolienkar: The newly-defined zones are designed with ample parking, open spaces, recreational spaces, art centres, parking plazas, which will go a long way in improving the quality of life.
Herald: There is this allegation that the new ODP has been drafted without proper planning and studying the immediate impact of it on the capital city, which is already burdened. How do you react to this?
Kuncolienkar: An extensive process has been followed. Consultative process was part of the entire planning process. The inputs were received from residents, town planners, stakeholders, locals, NGOs and other social groups. There is a lot of thought, planning and collaborative effort in drafting of the new ODP.
