TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Frustrated since there has been no information coming forth on the ‘rectification’ of the Regional Plan 2021, representatives of Goa Bachao Abhiyan and other groups met Chief Town Planner Putturaju, who could only assure them that they would get back once the government takes a decision.
GBA convenor Dr Sabina Martins has in a statement to the media said that they also questioned Putturaju over the government taking an opaque decision and leaving the people affected by the decisions in the dark.
“Putturaju told us the process and guidelines are not yet finalized and once they are, the Government and TCP will sit in June to work out the process. According to him, depending on the availability of manpower, it will take around six months,” Martins said.
They also queried with Putturaju about the government’s plans for the four major towns of the state.
“The government is undertaking several planning related activities outside the purview of Regional Plan. On 30 May 2013, a notification had been issued to remove Sancoale and Issorcim from Mormugao PDA. The delegation questioned as to how people of these villages are to know that these changes have been made when RP2021 shows them as (being) under the PDA” Martins said.
“The government is coming out with several development plans for Panjim, Mapusa. Tourism plan and infrastructure investment plan are also being devised. How can development plans be made without a regional plan and land use demarcated?” Martins questioned, to which Putturaju reportedly told the delegation that he would forward their concerns to the chief minister.
The delegation, led by Convenor of GBA Sabina Martins, comprised Annand Madgavkar, Vigilia D’Sa, Sylvester D’Souza, Franky Monteiro, Zarina D’Cunha, Socorro Fernandes, Agnel Fernandes, Anthony D’Mello and other activists concerned about the Regional Plan.
