PANJIM: Over 2.26 lakh sq metres of settlement zone have been converted to commercial, while another 44,600 sq mtrs of orchard land have been changed to settlement and commercial zone in the new Outline Development Plan (ODP) notified for Panjim and Mapusa planning areas.
Further, 9900 sq mtrs of paddy fields have been converted into settlement and commercial zones in the Mapusa ODP.
The information was placed before the State Legislative Assembly by Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vijai Sardesai, who stated that the change in zone is as per the demands of the people.
As per the details, in the Panjim ODP 1,39,100 sq mtrs of settlement land have been converted into commercial zone and 20,568 sq mtrs of orchard land into settlement and commercial.
There has been no conversion of agricultural land in Panjim ODP. The notification of the Panjim ODP has been challenged before the High Court.
As far as the Mapusa ODP is concerned, 86,962 sq mtrs of settlement land have been converted for commercial purposes and 24,093 sq mtrs of orchard land changed to settlement and commercial.
Of the 9900 sq mtrs of conversion of paddy field, 8400 sq mtrs is for settlement purposes while the balance is for commercial.
“The changes in zones were undertaken following suggestions and objections submitted by the public for undertaking necessary alteration of the ODPs. Following the applications, site inspection was carried out by the government appointed sub-committees for the purpose and accordingly the zone changes were done,” the Minister said.
Panjim ODP 2021 and Mapusa ODP 2021 were notified under Section 37 of TCP Act in December 2016 and the plans are in use already.
