PANJIM: The reality business has been in a slump for a couple of years. Units have been constructed and remain unsold in large numbers across the state. However this situation may change in a couple of months. The promise of the resumption of mining could boost the economy and radically overhaul the sentiment in the state. That however does not hide the fact that the problems that blight the industry can be brushed aside.
The availability of land in the state is a very sensitive matter. Projects have been delayed or even cancelled due to the politics that surround land in the state. The Regional Plan evoked much heat and builders in the state were accused of being concerned with their own bottom line instead of the larger interest of the state. When asked if they wanted Panjim and other urban spaces under the Outline Development Plan (ODP) or the Regional Plan, quite a few builders contacted by the Herald refused to come on record saying it was a sensitive subject that could evoke strong emotions. Others were candid and prepared to speak at length.
Desh Prabhudesai, chairman CREDAI Goa chapter said “The regional plan was a very good idea and the opposition shown by panchayats and others was regrettable.”
Development, he said was affected and this was obvious in the cities where people needed affordable flats. The ODP he said was part of the regional plan and he would like to have the regional plan so that the larger picture could be taken into consideration. The cost of land he said was ridiculous in the state which meant that even if a builder wanted to construct a building that was affordable it was just not possible.
Another builder from Panjim Kulashekhar of Milroc constructions felt that both had a place. The ODP he said was important because it would give everyone a detailed picture of the landscape which would help anyone planning to buy land or construct a building. The Regional Plan he said was more global and looked at the larger picture. The Regional Plan he said was important and that it was important that it be sorted out so that everyone would know where they stood.
Avinash Borkar another builder felt that urban places should remain under ODP since it provided a very detailed look at the landscape instead of the Regional plan which was more global in outlook. Other builders contacted around the state refused to come on record saying that they were always looked at suspiciously and that whatever they said would be held against them.
The Regional Plan has evoked much emotion in the state and it would be safe to say that in the coming months if and when it comes back to the main table for discussion it will evoke strong emotions on both sides of the debate.
