Chaos broke out during the public presentation of the Margao Master Plan 2041 on Thursday, as concerned citizens voiced strong objections to the plan’s content and preparation process.
Residents and activists were shocked by the consulting agency’s lack of awareness about critical local issues, including infrastructure challenges, heritage sites, and the commercial realities of Margao and Fatorda.
One of the most alarming revelations came when officials admitted that land previously acquired by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) for various civic projects had been excluded from the master plan. This triggered strong reactions from attendees, many of whom demanded clarity on how such significant land parcels could be left out.
Citizens from Fatorda expressed deep disappointment over their area being almost entirely ignored in the plan, despite it falling within the Margao Municipal Council's jurisdiction.
Activist Ashish Kamat raised pointed questions: “Is this master plan only for Margao or for the entire municipal area? If it includes Fatorda, why is it barely mentioned?”
The plan, according to officials, is based on the Outline Development Plan (ODP), which residents pointed out is being challenged in court. The land-use map forming the basis of the ODP has been accused of being fabricated. This raised serious concerns about the legitimacy and accuracy of the master plan, which is supposed to guide development until 2041.
Kamat further criticized the plan’s detachment from ground realities, saying it suggests improvements without allocating the necessary land for them. He also noted the MMC has yet to prepare its district development plan, a legal requirement, and questioned the rush to approve a master plan in the absence of that foundational document.
Savio Coutinho, former MMC Chairperson, highlighted several missing components, including the ring road project and solutions for informal vendors (gaddas). He also questioned the proposal for a buffer zone around River Sal, arguing that it does little to address the river’s environmental degradation.
Residents accused the agency of presenting a plan disconnected from the actual needs and challenges of the city. Many demanded that the process be halted until a more realistic, participatory, and legally sound plan is developed—one that considers the true needs of both Margao and Fatorda.