Team Herald
PANJIM: In yet another important move, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board has decided to redraft the Outline Development Plans (ODPs) for Panjim, Kadamba Plateau, Mapusa, Margao and Ponda – the drafts, which were kept on hold in April for a period of 60 days.
The Board also resolved to demarcate 100 metres ‘no construction buffer zone’ around the protected monuments as identified by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Addressing media persons post TCP Board meeting on Thursday, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane said that under Section 33 of the TCP Act, the Board will assume powers to redo the ODPs, which are in draft stage, with the help of consultants, through a judicious approach. “The Board in consultation with the consultant and the stakeholders will draft the ODPs, which were in draft stage. Fresh ODPs will be prepared taking everyone concerned, into confidence,” he said.
Rane said that the department has already taken onboard seven to eight planning consultants, whose services will be utilized by the Board to draft the ODPs. “We will ensure that no tenanted land, private land, low lying areas or no development zones are converted,” he said.
The TCP through an order dated April 22 had kept on hold the draft ODPs for a period of 60-days citing discrepancies. The Regional Plan 2021 was made applicable to these areas in the absence of ODPs.
In another decision, the Board also decided to demarcate 100 metres buffer zone around the protected heritage areas like Old Goa. “Currently there is no buffer zone and hence we see rampant construction taking place in and around the protected areas. In Regional Plan 2021 also no buffer zone is demarcated,” he said.
The Minister said that once buffer zone is demarcated, no construction permissions will be granted.
The Board is set to introduce fresh amendments to the Goa Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction Act, in the upcoming monsoon session.
