the goan I network
MARGAO
Terming Dr Francisco Colaco’s statements on the ODP zone change in the vicinity of the Holy Spirit church and the heritage festival as baseless and incorrect, South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairperson Dr Renuka Da Silva said Dr Colaco’s intention to link the festival and the ODP is mischievous and appears to be politically motivated.
Referring to Colaco’s statements on the zone change to C2 (commercial zone) in the vicinity of the Holy Spirit Church, the PDA Chairperson said the factual position on this zone change is that it has been changed to a Special Residential Zone (SPR). “This zone allows for redevelopment of existing buildings by granting extra FAR so that the existing owners of the flats can be accommodated with addition to allowing increase in capacity of a building on the same land. This matter was explained across the board to all the members that this is being done since the existing tenements in the area lie in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition. So in order to help in relocation of these families by redevelopment, this zone change was consented to on the same grounds as the request of several housing societies for higher FAR was accepted for redevelopment purposes,” she said
Saying that the sentiments of the people have been taken into consideration and a decision would be taken in a SGPDA meeting which will be held either after the model code of conduct ends or before it is consented to by the authorities concerned, she said opining on this in public could be construed as a violation of the code of conduct.
On the proposed 10-metre road which Colaco claims has been shown in this ODP, Renuka termed it as also factually incorrect. “This 10-metre proposed road was shown in the previous ODP from a planning point of view. Hence such statements are being made to only inflame and cause panic among citizens which is uncalled for. This PDA has not affected any change to this road. This difference in the proposed road and the existing road does not mean that the existing boundaries will be destroyed, since no land acquisition proceedings have been initiated for road widening,” she added.
On Colaco’s intention to link the heritage festival and the ODP, Renuka said, “Our concern towards protecting and preserving our rich architectural heritage is known to one and all. The Conservation Zone in the ODP has been extended to the Old Market area too with this in mind. The entire Old Market area is being redeveloped and beautified by the GSIDC in phase one of the Goa Tinto project. The project will be the first of its kind in the state and will beautify areas belonging to the Comunidade and certain private individuals with the sole intention of conserving and preserving our rich architectural heritage and promoting heritage tourism”.
The PDA Chairperson said the Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai has repeatedly expressed his commitment towards this end and is instrumental in organizing the festival in Fatorda as well as to initiate construction of phase one of the Goa Tinto project although these issues come within the domain of the Tourism Department and GSIDC. “Colaco’s attempt to create panic by spreading lies only exposes his personal hatred towards us and the reasons for this are well known,” she added.
Saying that Chris Perry is a prominent Goemkar, who needs to be recognized, she pointed out that the MMC’s decision to name the road after Chris Perry was after a request from Albert Colaco, Ernest Moniz and others which was taken by the municipal body through a resolution taken by the local councillor Glenn Andrade.
“Colaco should know that the heritage festival is a celebration of our rich architectural heritage and not an attempt to initiate its destruction. This festival is happening for the first time in Fatorda which should be appreciated as it was not done by other regimes with whom Colaco is now suddenly friends with,” she added.
