PANJIM: With December 2017 set as the deadline for finalization of the much-delayed Regional Plan 2021 (RP21), the State government intends to notify and implement the land plan taluka-wise, so as to fast track the process.
The first meeting of the State Level Steering Committee (SLC) headed by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Town and Country Planning (TCP) Francis D’Souza, is scheduled on April 19, wherein the modalities and guidelines for the plan’s finalization will be decided.
Speaking to media persons, D’Souza said the government has recently re-notified the SLC for scrutinizing the objections and suggestions received and finalize the plan. The first meeting will take place on April 19, wherein all public applications would be placed, he said.
“My aim is to finalize the plan before end of my tenure that is by or before December end. I cannot extend the deadline beyond my tenure. The process is on,” the deputy chief minister said.
“I am of the opinion that the plan should be implemented taluka-wise. Apart from Bardez and Salcete, which together have around 3000 objections and suggestions, the rest 10 talukas have fewer suggestions and they are also minor in nature,” D’Souza said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of inauguration of interior works of TCP’s Tiswadi Branch at Patto. The work undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has been completed at the cost of Rs 55 lakh.
TCP had opened the plan in December last for fresh public suggestions and comments to make necessary rectifications. The department received 5,940 applications providing their comments, views and suggestions.
Of these, 24 percent have asked for old and new settlements in ECO1 zone and 59 percent for new and old settlement in Non-ECO1 zones. A total of 83 percent have asked for new settlements.
Further, around 7 percent of the suggestions are in regard to new roads as well as widening of existing roads, so as to facilitate developmental projects. The demand for cancellation or scrapping of the land plan is only 7 percent.
