the goan I network
MARGAO
Five petrol filling stations, a new 20-metre road connecting Margao to the proposed Western bypass, bestowing 100 per cent conservation zone status on the Camara de Salcete building and the old market Tinto and new commercial zones are the highlights of the draft Outline Development Plan (ODP) which received a nod from the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) on Wednesday.
The draft ODP will now be forwarded to the Town and Country Planning Board for approval. Once approved, the draft ODP will be notified to invited objections and suggestions from the public.
The adjourned meeting of the SGPDA held on Wednesday gave its stamp for approval for the draft ODP after effecting the necessary changes in the plan.
During discussions, PDA members, including former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, PDA Chairperson Dr Renuka Da Silva and Member Secretary Ashok Kumar were all huddled around a land-use map seeking clarifications on a host of issues, before taking their seats to continue the deliberations.
After the meeting, PDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar told the media that the draft ODP has been approved. He said a total of five petrol filling stations, two along the Margao-Quepem road near the Margao railway station, as many stations along the Margao-Western bypass road and one has been proposed near the wholesale fish market.
He said a new 20-metre road has been proposed linking the Western bypass road and the city. Asked to elaborate on the link road, he said the proposed Western bypass will be connected to the ring road at Mungul.
Given that the PDA has received a proposal from the Margao municipality to declare the crumbling Camara de Salcete building as a heritage structure upon a proposal from local ward councillor Glen Andrade, the PDA has shown the entire area as 100 per cent conservation zone. Similarly, the Tinto at the
old market area, is also marked as 100 per cent conservation zone.
The PDA Member secretary further informed that a total of 57 roads in the city, which had never found mention on the previous ODPs, have been shown on the draft ODP. “These 57 roads had come to light during the preparation of the land-use map and register. The same have been highlighted on the ODP,” he added.
Similarly, Ashok Kumar pointed out that a total of 16 open spaces which have been found in the city, have also been given shown on the ODP.
To another query, Ashok Kumar said the PDA has agreed to notify a portion of the parking space in front of the Osia Commercial Complex for exhibitions. The remaining space will be earmarked for vehicular parking.
He pointed out that several areas have been shown as institutions, including the place where the St Francis Xavier chapel will be relocated at the MMC parking area at Old Market.
