MARGAO: A closed-door meeting to unveil the proposed Master plan prepared by a consultant for Goa State Urban Development Agency (GUSDA) for the development of Margao town, has sparked controversy and concern among its residents. Held at Nanutel Hotel, the event was limited to select invitees, excluding both the press and the public.
Citizens, mobilised under the collective ‘Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GPFK), gathered at the venue following widespread messages about the meeting on WhatsApp. To their dismay, they learned that entry was restricted to members of the builder lobby, with no allowance for press coverage or public participation.
This exclusion has been vehemently criticised by Margao’s residents, who argue that the community should be central to the planning process.
While speaking to media persons outside the hotel, Jack Mascarenhas, Avinash Tavares, Carlos Gracias and Anthony Gonsalves, pointed out that the city has long grappled with challenges stemming from inadequate urban planning.
They added that the lack of an inclusive approach in the initial stages of the master plan’s development—particularly in seeking feedback and suggestions from residents—is seen as a significant oversight.
Criticising the format of this meeting, they further stressed that the focus should be on establishing a comprehensive framework and scope for the Master plan, rather than jumping straight into project proposals.
“There is a growing concern that without these foundational elements, Margao might replicate the issues seen in Panjim city, where a similar approach in their Smart City master plan led to disorganised development and significant pollution,” said Tavares.
“While there is a consensus on the need for a Master plan for Margao, the lack of transparency in the process is causing suspicion and scepticism among the citizens,” Mascarenhas added.
This opaque approach, if continued, they warned, is likely to face considerable opposition from the community. The citizens gathered there insist that the public are recognised as primary stakeholders in any developmental initiative concerning their town.
Incidentally, the presentation held at the hotel on Wednesday evening was the second presentation of the day.
Earlier in the day, a presentation was held for the MMC councillors but not all the councillors were present.
As per MMC, the Master plan will function as a compass for urban progress and the document will outline a clear trajectory for future development, tailored to meet the present and future demands of the Margao town area.
‘Masterplan flawed, suggests replacing Margao Municipal Garden with footpaths and walkways’
Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) convenor Savio Coutinho who attended the presentation after seeking permission from the council, pointed to various flaws in the presentation and demanded that a presentation be held for the public.
“The Masterplan, in the guise of ‘regeneration’ of the Municipal Garden suggests the total removal of the garden and to replace it with footpaths and walkways. No doubt that the only patch of greenery left in the commercial capital will be lost forever, we wonder whether our elected representatives are now falling short of footpaths for their migrant vote banks for hawking,” said Coutinho, while speaking to media persons. He also recalled how previous attempts at drawing up such plans by GSUDA were met with opposition from the public.
“The least development our elected representatives could do is to clear the existing footpath and passages of the encroachments,” Coutinho added.
SCM members also pointed out that the Outline Development Plan (ODP) by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) is nearing completion and questioned if this is another route for the changing of zones on the ODP plan, through the Master plan.
