Agency-acquired fields cultivated by farmers in Fatorda and Margao are proposed for development; Consultant says projects are part of long-term planning
MARGAO
The Master Plan 2041 for Margao prepared by Goa Urban Development Agency (GSUDA)-appointed consultant has proposed development of the prime GSUDA properties doting across the commercial capital, for civic and commercial use, raising eyebrows in city circles over the exact objective behind preparation of the Master Plan for the city.
Acquired around two decades ago by GSUDA when the agency was headed by then Minister and incumbent Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, the Master Plan 2041, has amongst things, mooted development of the GSUDA plots in the city, located in both Fatorda and Margao.
A glance at the Master Plan overview compiled by Studio Pod for GSUDA reveals that the plan has called for developing the GSUDA plots, which were all acquired by the agency two decades ago, by paying pittance compensation to the land losers. Take note, farmers are still cultivating paddy at the plots at Madel in Fatorda and the fields located opposite the Margao railway station.
A glance at the zones prepared in the Master Plan give an insight of the proposals and recommendations made by the agency for the planning and development of the city.
Zone one of the Master Plan shows that the consultant has mooted developing the stretch of river Sal in GSUDA plot along the NH66 as a Sal Riverfront. The overview booklet also spoke of developing the GSUDA plot along the NH66 as a sponge park and public space integrated with commercial development.
Again in Zone 1, the plan has called for developing a city community hub on the GSUDA plot along SH05 highway, next to Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
That’s not all. GSUDA owns a property admeasuring around 28,000 square metres south of Margao, where farmers still cultivate the fields.
A glance at Zone 3, Margao South shows that the Master Plan has proposed Margao South as a new economic node connected to the rest of the city via the transit loop.
The Master Plan does not specifically refer to the GSUDA-acquired land located opposite the Margao railway station for setting up the new economic node in South of Margao.
However, an innovation hub housing a range of program such as retail, art and culture, entertainment, incubation hub, innovation labs, hospitality and multipurpose spaces is proposed in the land designated for commercial and public use just south of the Margao railway station.
Inquiries by The Goan have revealed that the GSUDA acquired land is the only government located south of the Margao railway station. That’s not all. The GSUDA acquired land had been bestowed as commercial zone in the Outline Development Plan (ODP) for Margao, indicating that the acquired land has been eyed upon by the government to set up the new economic node in the south of Margao.
Co-founder of Mumbai-based firm Studio Pod, Mahesh Waghdhare, however, insisted that the Master Plan 2041 seeks to address the pressing issues plaguing the commercial capital, including traffic and pedestrianisation of streets, parking, heritage and other issues. “Development of the GSUDA plots and exploiting these acquired properties for commercial and civic use is proposed for the future depending on the fund availability,” Mahesh said.
He added: “Whatever projects mooted in the Master Plan for projects in government owned properties and open spaces are part of long-term planning. The first priority is to fix the traffic and parking woes, besides pedestrianisation of streets.”
NGO demands public presentation of plan
MARGAO: The Shadow Council for Margao on Thursday has knocked the doors of the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) demanding a presentation for the public of the proposed Master Plan for Margao.
The city-based NGO has also demanded uploading of the plan on the website for public viewing.
Expressing its shock that citizens of Margao were restricted from attending the power-point presentation at the Margao Municipal hall and at a city hotel, the SCM pointed out that the presentation at the MMC was only meant for the councillors and staff of MMC, wherein less than 50 per cent of the councillors attended the presentation. He further added that except for one councillor, all the others present remained mute spectators, thereby making it clear that they either have no say or are not bothered about the plan’s details.
Saying the presentation at Nanutel was seen attended by mostly builders and real estate developers, SCM convenor Savio Coutinho said the citizens further realised that the attendees at Nanutel hotel were invited selectively.
