Team Herald
PANJIM: The delay in notifying the new Greater Panjim Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has halted the process of redrafting Outline Development Plan (ODPs) for Panjim and Calangute-Candolim areas.
On November 23, 2017, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board through a decision had reverted back these ODPs to North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) for drafting afresh after the Board observed major lacunas and procedural lapses in the formulation of the same.
Speaking to Herald, NGPDA Chairman Michael Lobo said that the government was yet to issue order cum notification for redrafting of Panjim and Calangute-Candolim ODP.
“The entire process is halted as there is delay on the part of the government to notify the Greater Panjim PDA,” Lobo said.
The NGPDA chairman confirmed that the file with regard to Greater Panjim PDA is currently pending before Law department for vetting and the notification is likely in next two-three days.
“Latest by tomorrow (Wednesday), the file will go to the Chief Town Planner, who will then issue the notification,” the Calangute MLA said adding that the notification for redrafting ODPs would be issued thereafter.
Lobo said that NGPDA had followed all the procedures while drafting the ODPs, which even had public consultation as part of the process.
Panjim and Calangute-Candolim area continues to be under NGPDA. Greater Panjim PDA, which is likely to be headed by Goa Forward leader and former Congress MLA from St Cruz Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate will include Taleigao, Bambolim plateau and Kadamba Plateau.
In November, last year, the High Court of Bombay at Goa stayed the letter issued by TCP putting into operation the draft ODP Calangute-Candolim 2025. Following the order, the TCP Board during a meeting held on November 23, decided to send the ODP of Calangute-Candolim and Panjim back to NGPDA.
The formulation of Panjim OPD is also challenged before the High Court.
Margao ODP has also been sent back to South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) for redrafting.
