MARGAO:
Moments after Chief Town Planner Dr S T Pttaraju constituted the SGPDA with Dr Renuka as the Chairperson, she told The Goan that the PDA will take a call on the controversial Outline Development Plan (ODP) for Margao and Ponda at the Authority’s first meeting scheduled on June 19. “The Authority will decide on the controversial ODP for Margao and Ponda at its first meeting scheduled on June 19. Let the Authority take a call, but I would like
to make clear that the ODP will reflect the aspirations of the people and not that of the builders,” she said. She further asserted that the Outline Development Plan ought to be put in place and finalized by taking the stakeholders, including the local Municipal bodies, into confidence, clearly indicating that the new Authority is open on taking a fresh look at the ODP put in place by the SGPDA during the tenure of MLA Mauvin Godinho.
Reminding that the Goa Forward party has been espousing the cause of Goemkars and Goemkarponn, Dr Renuka said that all actions and decision of the PDA will be centered around Goemkarponn, the architecture and heritage of the city. “We may all plan to build a modern town keeping in mind the growing requirements, but we cannot forget our architecture, heritage and our roots. We will keep all this in mind while taking decisions”, she added.
Touching on the burning issue of vehicular parking in the commercial capital, the new SGPDA Chairperson fully supported the stand of the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai to introduce post-occupancy audit. “By introducing post-occupancy audit, the Authority can ensure that the builders and developers comply with the laid down guidelines on parking. The Authority will deliberate on this issue before introducing post-occupancy audit”, she said.
Replying to a question, Dr Renuka also came out clear on the need to preserve and protect the green area of the city, especially around the picturesque Monte Hill. “It was a pleasant surprise to know that the government has appointed me as the SGPDA Chairman”, she said, when asked whether she had expected the government to nominate her to head the Planning body.
