MARGAO
Asserting that the South Goa Planning and Development Authority is not in a rush to approve the land-use plan, SGPDA Chairperson Dr Renuka Da Silva on Wednesday announced extension of the ongoing process till April-end, saying the PDA will provide the ward wise maps to the ward councilors in order to inspect every minute detail that may have been missed out.
The PDA Chairperson also defended engaging the services of Turbo Sketch to prepare the plan and land-use register, saying the exercise was outsourced since the government was not well-equipped with technology such as drones for the photography of Ponda, Margao and Fatorda.
Addressing the media in the presence of PDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar, a day after a group of citizens demanded withdrawal of the land-use map and extension of time, Renuka said the PDA has agreed to extend the ongoing exercise of inviting public objections till April-end.
“The land-use map is basically a virtual survey which marks each and every structure and roads existing till date, whereas ODP will have to show the proposed roads and land zones. It may have flaws and that is the reason why people are given time to file their objections. We don’t mind extending the time to file objections,” she said, while making an appeal to the people to be alert and participate in the process, saying the PDA is open to receive any public objections.
Saying the PDA is not in a rush to approve the Land use map, she said, “We believe in planned development and in view of this, we would like to assure the people that all steps necessary shall be taken for hearing the public suggestions”.
Saying that the PDA has the highest regard for the council, which was not done in the past, Renuka said, “We have made copies of the present land-use map which was kept for display for the past one month in the Margao Municipal Council and the PDA. Along with the ward wise map, we have given a land-use registry form and each councillor has been requested to fill up and get back to the SGPDA by the end of the month so that the PDA can verify the land use registry already prepared.”
Saying that there are some who find faults and object and have public meetings, the PDA Chairperson, however, said, “Let me assure you again that a lot of effort has been made and there will be nothing secretive and transparency will be there all the way.”
The PDA Chairperson has promised to put in place a Comprehensive Development Plan for the city after the Outline Development Plan (ODP) is finalized by the body.
Meanwhile, acting Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Tito Cardozo has called a meeting of the councilors on Thursday to explain to
them the land-use map and to hand over to them the ward wise maps.
