MARGAO: The draft Master Plan-2041 for Margao is finally ready, and is expected to be presented on January 17. Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), said that the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has prepared this master plan. It comes after a similar plan was prepared by the civic body in 2009-10, which was reverted to GSUDA following public suggestions and objections. Unfortunately, the Rs 48 lakh comprehensive development plan from that period never materialised, leading to frustration among the people of Margao over the expenditure of public funds.
The government-appointed agency conducted an exercise to collect plans at the grassroots level, according to the Chairperson. The presentation of the master plan is scheduled for January 17, for which architects, engineers, and other stakeholders from Margao will be invited.
“The detailed presentation of the master plan will be conducted by the officials concerned, and opportunities will be provided for citizens and stakeholders to express their suggestions,” stated Shirodkar. He also mentioned that the finalisation and implementation of the master plan for Margao would be addressed during the session.
In the past, Margao residents have questioned the MMC about the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) prepared in 2009-10, which cost the council Rs 48 lakh, but was never realised. Acknowledging the dire need for a master plan in this commercial town, residents have cautioned authorities against wasting more public money, similar to the fate of the previous CDP.
However, many Margao residents believe that the new master plan could help address several decades-old issues and contribute to the town’s development.
