PANJIM: The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board on Friday resolved to bifurcate Panjim planning area from the jurisdiction of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) and include it in the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA).
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar, who holds the TCP portfolio, said the decision has been taken in the interest of Panjim, which is closely located to Taleigao planning area, which is part of GPPDA.
The plan to include Panjim under GPPDA was pending for long, according to GPPDA chairman Atanasio Monserrate, who said that former Panjim MLA and ex-CM Manohar Parrikar was not keen to hand it over. Monserrate has welcomed the move, assuring to have proper planning for the city, taking all stakeholders into confidence.
When contacted, NGPDA chairman Francis Silveira said he has no objection and will support Monserrate in planning the city. “I had never opposed it,” he said, amidst media report about his objection.
Silveira said that during the recent BJP MLAs meeting, there was a discussion on the issue between him, Monserrate, Kavlekar and former NGPDA chairman and Minister Michael Lobo. “The decision was unanimous,” he said.
The Board also deferred the decision on the outline development plan of Parra-Nagoa planning area, after members demanded further study and detail presentation on the plan.
