PANJIM: Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai has now said he may postpone the TCP board meeting scheduled on March 19 to decide on the inclusion of the Greater Panjim Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA) to April 9, after the threat of a rally on April 6 by the villagers.
“When I have given the assurance to review the entire planning of the GPPDA where is the question of an agitation? At least wait till the meeting of Board, I am willing to consider each and every grievance of the people,” he said.
MLAs of St Cruz and St Andre constituencies, have now also said they are concerned with only areas that fall in their respective constituencies. Speaking to Herald the MLAs said that the genuine issues of people should be seriously considered and that they will remain with the villagers to get the issues resolved and the areas de-notified from the PDA.
St Cruz MLA Antonio (Tony) Fernandes said he is concerned with his village and will remain with the people with the genuine issue. “I cannot talk about the other areas. I have a faith in the word of the TCP Minister that he will not go against the sentiments of the people,” he said.
St Andre MLA, Francis Silveira said that he will be with the people but on genuine issues and restricted to his constituency. “I don’t know why the people are making such big issues when the Minister is supposed to review it in a meeting on March 19. If you are not satisfied than you do whatever you want,” he said.
Constituents of St Cruz and St Andre constituencies had been opposing the inclusion of portions of the villages in the GPPDA earlier, but on Thursday changed their stand and demanded that the entire GPPDA be de-notified. Villagers also threatened to hold a massive agitation in Panjim on April 6 if the government failed to do that.
Almost six village panchayats have made representations to the government to de-notify their villages from the GPPDA. Following the demand the TCP Minister had scheduled the Board meeting on March 19 where the decision is expected.
