VASCO: Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) has zoomed into a decision to redraft the outline development plan (ODP) for Vasco planning area citing directives of the State Government. The decision comes barely two and half years after the plan was drafted and notified in 2016, and was to be the base till 2026.
However, the sudden concern of the MPDA and the Government towards Mormugao has cobbled up more questions than applause with some terming it as a “scam” too.
It may be recalled that in the year 2016 the ODP 2026 for Vasco planning area was drafted with due procedure and was notified. The ODP was notified after due process followed according to the Town and Country Plan Act of 1974. Lot of water has passed under the bridge after this notification, even to the extent of High Court terming the former MPDA illegal which prompted the new committee with MLA Carlos Almeida as the Chairman of the Authority.
On Monday MLA Carlos Almeida released a statement which said, “As per Government directives the Chief Town Planner, Planning vide order dated December 28, 2018 has directed the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority to redraft the outline development plan for Vasco Da Gama planning areas. This matter was discussed in the 3rd meeting held on the 25th of January of MPDA. As per the provisions of the TCP act 1974 land use plans and land use register will be prepared after following all the procedures. As per TCP Act land use plan and land use register will be notified and adopted.”
The MPDA also thereafter plans to take the ODP for Vasco planning afresh by following the procedure envisaged under Sections 29, 30 & 34 to 37 of the TCP Act, 1974.
