the goan I network
PANAJI
Minister for Town and Country Planning Vijai Sardesai on Saturday ceded to the demands of the people by dropping all villages from the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority. Sardesai announced that the GPPDA will now comprise only a part of Kadamba Plateau and Taleigao.
Speaking to media at Goa Forward head office in Panaji, Sardesai said, “Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority included villages after the elected representatives made written request to my department. Engaging closely with the villagers, who opposed this move, I have realised that their elected representatives have at the onset itself misread the voice of their people and thereby misled me and my department.”
Terming the decision as a humble act on the eve of Easter Sunday, Sardesai said all villages from St Cruz and St Andre, included in the GPPDA, will be dropped with immediate effect.
“Their elected representatives have now done a volte face because people have protested. They themselves didn’t know the pulse of their own people. TCP is willing to engage with the people and protesters,” Sardessai said.
TCP Minister, informed that his decision will have to be confirmed of TCP board at its upcoming meeting on April 9.
“Taleigao and part of Kadamba Plateau up to Ferns Hotel will continue to be a part of GPPDA. Taleigao is already in the PDA. It can’t be dropped. But if people want Kadamba Plateau to be dropped then even that can be done,” Sardesai explained.
Meanwhile, reacting to the opposition to opening of RP-2021, Sardesai stated, “Eco Sensitive Zones will not be opened up for development”.
