PONDA
The South Goa Planning Development Authority (SGPDA) may have thrown open the Outline Development Plan (ODP) of Ponda for public suggestions and revision since Monday, but the plan has to be “thrown open” each time someone seeks to inspect its contents.
This is because, there is insufficient space at the local office to display the ODP, causing some hardship among staff employees.
The ODP has provided details of residential, commercial, agriculture, defence, natural reserves, industrial, proposed roads, municipal boundaries, parking area and other plans.
Since Monday, the ODP has been made available for public perusal at the local office of SGPDA at Ponda, for a period of 30 days.
“Whenever someone comes to our office to have a look at the plan, we have to unroll the large plan and place it on the table. Then, we have to roll it up again for necessary storage. Due to shortage of space, we cannot display it on the walls of the office,” said one staff employee on condition of anonymity.
Sources from PMC informed The Goan that the revised plan will help them develop Ponda city in a proper manner.
Incidentally, reservations have been raised regarding the entire exercise.
“Have they implemented the ODP which was revised the last time,” asked Ponda MLA Lavu Mamledar.
“They will merely open the ODP and will change the zone. Apart from this, nothing will happen,” he added.
“Implementation of ODP should take place and only then will it have some value. Otherwise, it is just a mockery to invite public suggestions,” said the Ponda MLA.
Former PMC chairperson Kishore Naik, a Congressman close to former chief minister Ravi Naik, claimed that the ODP is being opened to benefit a select group of people.
“Everyone knows who will benefit from this exercise,” said Kishore Naik.
Despite efforts, Ravi Naik could not be contacted for comments in the matter.
