PORVORIM
The Goa Housing Board has invited e-applications form the public for disposal of three commercial plots by the side of Service Road at Porvorim by e-auction on outright basis.
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has, however, said GHB’s plans to sell off three commercial plots G (4185 sq mtrs), H (3313 sq mtrs) and I (3424 sq mtrs) is unfair and goes against the promises made by former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar to the residents of Porvorim.
Speaking to ‘The Goan’, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte said when the foundation stone for the new market complex was laid by former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar in 2014, there was opposition from locals to this project.
“Parrikar had a tough time convincing locals that the old market is on the verge of collapse and hence, there was a need of a new market complex. He had assured locals then that there would be no more development and commercialisation of Porvorim,” said Khaunte.
He said Parrikar wanted to bring the concept of Town Square in the area which would be like an open space where people from different age groups could come and relax.
“This concept would also have some entertainment space for people especially children.The idea was on the same lines as the Trafalgar Square in UK. For this to take place, GHB would have to hand over this land to the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG) and the ITG would develop and implement the Town Square.”
“In exchange, land at Curca which belongs to the Inspector General of Prisons would be given to the Goa Housing Board to make up for the cost of the land,” said Khaunte.
“However, these latest plans by GHB raises questions on how the State government is trying to override the promises made by Parrikar to residents of Porvorim. All this commercialisation is being done at the cost of residents of Porvorim, which is unacceptable,” said Khaunte.
