PDA member Vijai Sardessai told the media after the meeting that the Authority has cleared many a file which did not come within the purview of the government’s order dated August 8. “But, certain contentious files which were apparently banking on the proposed roads, were not cleared and deferred by the Authority,” he said.
“The PDA will hold a special discussion on the government’s order at the earliest to clear the air on the issue”, he said.
Replaying to a question, Vijai said he is not opposed to the government’s order mandating development based on existing roads. He, however, hastened to add that the norm ought to be applied uniformly everywhere and ought not to be selective. “In Canacona, the government has given approval for commercial project in an eco sensitive zone on land admeasuring 2.89 lakh sq mts. The government is not applying the norm in an uniform manner. No doubt, real estate development ought to be based on existing roads, but the government should be sincere,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PDA has decided to refer to the Town and Country Planning Board the proposal to shifting the St Francis Xavier Chapel to the land acquired by the Margao Municipal Council for parking. “The PDA has decided to send the file to the TCP Board for change in zone since the land in question was acquired for parking,” he added.
