the goan I network
MARGAO
Giving its stamp of approval for the Outline Development Plan 2028 (ODP) for Margao, Fatorda and Ponda, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has said the ODP outlines planning for building a city which can sustain a population of more than two lakh people considering the growth rate of an average 5 per cent annum.
Addressing media on the salient features of the ODP for Margao and Fatorda, SGPDA Chairperson Dr Renuka Da Silva said the vision map for the next 10 years for the two areas is built on the platform of an inclusive, livable, economically vibrant and green home for Fatordekars and Madgaonkars.
“Most importantly, the plan ensures that sufficient land is available for a whole range of land users, and especially for critical needs such as housing, schools and job centers. Concentrating on planning for a healthy and livable environment for the residents was of priority along with catering to all age groups where jobs can be got closer to homes and by developing spaces which activate communities”, she said.
Terming the Outline Development Plan as a 6-point vision program with focus on the city identity,
economy, housing, transport, education and recreation and public spaces, Renuka said one of the most important proposals which strengthens the identity of our city is the Goa Tinto project, which aims at preserving the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Fatorda. “A proposal for restoring these structures along with signages, roads and other facilities has already been undertaken under GSIDC. The Old Camara Municipal building which was earlier marked as commercial zone has been changed to heritage institutional zone for public use and has been marked as Camara to preserve more than 100 years of history relating to the structure”, she added.
On the economic front, the PDA Chairperson said the South Goa Bus Terminus, which has been marked as special commercial transport zone, will offer commercial activities to create enough job opportunities for the locals. Rejecting objections to exhibitions by the city traders, the PDA gave its approval for a permanent area for exhibitions adjoining the SGPDA parking lot to ensure that locals will have access to various globally marketed retail items.
On housing, the ODP has added two new proposals in the ODP, namely rehabilitation of shanties
situated behind the Old Electricity at Pajifond and the other one near Sonsodo which will provide low cost housing for Fatordekars.
Saying that providing quality education facilities is a prime objection, Renuka said the ODP has marked an area near the railway station as an institution zone to house a central school. Besides, she said a new school for primary, secondary and higher education with state-of-the-art facilities like synthetic turf for ground has been proposed at Fatorda. The Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha institute has been granted additional buildable area to construct a state-of the art education facility for the locals of Margao and Fatorda.
The Fatorda town hall, recreational biodiversity park at the Fatorda lake, development of the Talsanzor area, a medicated natural spring for tourism related activities and a temple dedicated to goddess of knowledge in the new Housing board at Virabhat have been proposed in the ODP.
The ODP has also a ‘Land loser incentivization’ scheme for Fatorda, wherein an incentive of a commercial zone up to 50 mts adjoining the road has been granted to all plot owners who have willingly given permission for road expansion.
