PANJIM: In a major step towards resolving the vehicle parking issues in the State Capital, North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has decided to revise-cum-rectify the seven-year old Panjim Outline Development Plan (ODP), proposing redevelopment of the old housing colonies with provision of additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), provided the first two floors are reserved for parking.
NGPDA also urges the government to shift all its offices, especially those located in Junta House on 18 June Road, out of the city, thereby converting the area into a multi-level pay parking zone.
Addressing the media, NGPDA chairman Michael Lobo said that following the government order, NGPDA has kept the Panjim ODP open for public comments for 30 days to undertake
revision-cum-rectification of the plan, which was last notified in 2009.
“The government has assented to the views of the NGPDA that it is necessary to undertake the revision of the entire Panjim ODP to envision the concept and ethos of the Smart City for the paradigm change in the urban form and urbanism,” the order issued by Chief Town Planner Dr ST Puttaraju states.
The order says the ODP will be altered by synchronizing it with the Smart City Development Plan submitted to the Union Ministry for Urban Development for approval.
Lobo said the main purpose of revision of ODP was to resolve the parking issues. “NGPDA has proposed that 30-45 year-old housing colonies, which are in bad shape, would be allowed to undertake redevelopment, with additional FAR provided the first two floors are reserved for parking,” he said adding the current FAR is between 50 to 60 per cent.
Panjim MLA Siddharat Kuncolienkar, who was present, said, “Many housing colonies approached me, as well as NGPDA, with proposals for redevelopment.” The MLA confirmed that heritage houses protected under the heritage conservation zone would not be touched. Such old structures are located in Miramar, Campal, St Inez and Mala.
NGPDA has decided to approach the government seeking necessary amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act to facilitate the need. “There is no land left in the city for parking purposes. This is the only option,” Lobo said recommending that government offices situated in Panjim be shifted out of the city.
He said that in the existing ODP several anomalies have been observed like paddy fields shown as settlement or vice versa, and non-existing roads. “The final plan will be ready in four to five months,” he said.
