MARGAO
The Shadow Council for Margao has raised apprehensions over the preparation of a Master Plan for Margao through the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
SCM Convenor Savio Coutinho has warned that any plans drawn for Margao, without taking the citizens and the local body shall face stiff resistance.
Arch. Carlos Gracias stated that the government has to explain why such a master plan was required when there exists an ODP plan. He further stated that law mandates the preparation of a Comprehensive Development Plan and not another parallel plan like the ODP.
Coutinho stated that in the year 2009 the Margao MLA, then Chief Minister, had prepared a Comprehensive Development Plant through the GSUDA by spending Rs 40 lakhs.
“This plan was sent to the Council for approval. There were reports that the Council was being pressurized to approve the same, however upon noticing gross abnormalities in the plan, the Council put up the plans on display in the Municipal hall and called for public opinion. Based on the submissions from the public, the plan was referred back to the GSUDA, which never returned, Coutinho revealed.
He further charged that due to the continuous ill planning, only for the benefit of vested interests, the city of Margao has been totally destroyed, we shall not allow further ruining of our city for selfish gains he said.
The Goan had a week ago raised serious questions over the work on the Master plan for Margao set in motion by GSUDA with questions being raised how come the master plan will help the Civic body in creating revenue generating opportunities.
