PANAJI
Stating that the Congress will restart the process of drafting the Outline Development Plans across the State once elected to power in a proper manner adhering to rules laid down in the Town and Country Planning Act, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday demanded the government to begin the entire procedure on a clean slate.
Speaking at Congress House, Kamat stated, “I am not casting aspersions on the ODP. I am merely requesting that the elected representatives and councils should be given at least one month’s time to compare the old plan with the proposed one and understand the changes made.”
He pointed out that the new developments which have taken place in the cities and town since the last ODP have not been superimposed on the new plan and reiterated that the draft ODP has been prepared hastily in violation of rules.
“We have to live with this plan for 10 years. The committee took 28 days only to hear the objections made by people to the plan. How can they expect us to pass this huge document in a 15-minute meeting?” he questioned.
Kamat also clarified that the stand of the MMC is in confirmation with the stand of the three MLAs including him, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai and Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar.
“The basic fight is because no PDA has consulted the concerned municipalities. We need to sit together and prepare the plan,” he said.
Referring to a writ filed by NGO United Goans Foundation before the High Court and to Jose Miranda’s petition before the Lokayukta in connection with the violation of rules in formulation of ODPs, Kamat stated, “My stand on the violation of procedures has been upheld prima facie with the Lokayukta issuing notices to SGPDA and the municipality and the High Court stating that there should be no hurry in finalising the ODP. HC has categorically said that concerned people should sit together and participate in preparing and approving the plan.”
The Margao MLA and senior Congressmen sought to observe that the people at large have no knowledge of the changes proposed to the present ODP and will only find out after their land is affected. He urged the government to create a minimal level of public awareness.
