Team Herald
MARGAO: Concerns over the lack of transparency and public participation in the Margao Outline Development Plan (ODP) continue to grow, as residents fear the potential consequences of poor planning. There is widespread apprehension that if proper measures are not taken, Margao could face environmental-related problems. These concerns have been amplified by Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK), a local group that has been voicing the public’s objections to the authorities concerned.
The NGO had earlier submitted a comprehensive set of objections to the draft ODP, drawing attention to several key issues. GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas pointed out that they had raised alarms over procedural lapses, accusing the planning authorities of bypassing important stages of the development process. They also flagged cartographic errors in the provided maps, which further complicated the planning exercise. The lack of public consultation was a major point of contention, with GFPK stressing that the process had been kept out of the public eye.
In addition, the NGO expressed concerns over the potential environmental damage the plan could cause, citing the risk of unchecked construction and urban sprawl encroaching on agricultural land. They also warned that Margao’s heritage could be at risk if development moves forward without regard for preservation efforts.
Although the finalized version of the ODP is now accessible, GFPK remains deeply concerned that it does not address the issues they previously raised. The lack of public participation in the final stages of the plan’s creation continues to cast doubt over its alignment with the long-term interests of Margao’s residents. The fear is that the ODP could lead to unsustainable development, causing lasting harm to the city’s environment and cultural heritage.
In a bid to obtain more information, GFPK formally requested details about the Margao ODP under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, despite multiple appeals, the requested data has not been made available, adding to the perception of a lack of transparency. The failure to respond to these requests has left many questioning whether the authorities are deliberately withholding information, further deepening public mistrust.
GFPK insists that the public has a fundamental right to access information about the ODP and to participate in its development. The ongoing opacity and failure to release critical data are seen as serious shortcomings in a process that will shape Margao’s future. The NGO has called on the authorities to immediately release the finalized ODP and initiate an open and transparent dialogue with citizens, ensuring that any future development in the city is both sustainable and in the best interests of the community.