MARGAO: Amid preparations by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) to create a Master Plan for Margao, stakeholders have called for their input to be considered before the plan’s finalisation.
While many are sceptical of this plan, given that the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has not been consulted, others point out that a similar plan was being prepared a decade ago, which failed to materialise even though work on the project began in 2009.
Furthermore, GSUDA’s recent decision to add a restaurant on the top floor of the MMC’s pay-parking project in Margao, despite the original proposal lacking a restaurant, has raised questions about how GSUDA will proceed with the Master Plan for Margao.
Margao’s citizen activists express concerns about the preparation of a master plan through GSUDA. Architect Carlos Gracias of the Shadow Council of Margao (SCM) questions the need for a master plan when an Outline Development Plan (ODP) already exists. He stated, “The law mandates the preparation of a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and not another parallel plan.”
SCM convenor Savio Coutinho also claimed that GSUDA spent approximately Rs 40 lakh on the previous master plan, which was referred back to GSUDA after receiving negative feedback from the public during its display in the MMC. This allowed citizens to submit their suggestions.
He added that the council at that time also found significant abnormalities in the plan and did not approve it.
Coutinho asserted that citizens would object to the plan if it appeared to serve vested interests rather than the public.
Currently, authorities have stated that the process for preparing the master plan is still in the initial stage. Along with Margao, GSUDA is simultaneously working on the master plan for two other towns and has received approval from the Urban Development Department.
Once the plan for Margao is ready, the consultant appointed by GSUDA is expected to create a PowerPoint presentation for the council and brief them on the project. Local MLAs will also be shown the detailed plans.
The brief given to the consultant for the master plan by the government covers various tasks, which include conducting site visits, reviewing topographic surveys and other survey information, and if necessary, calling for additional surveys.
It may be recalled that the previous Margao Master Plan included completing the Ring road project, resolving issues on the Eastern Bypass highway at Nuvem, constructing a Western Bypass from Verna to Navelim, establishing a transport terminus, creating green spaces, recreation zones, cycling tracks, and pedestrian streets.
