the goan I network
MARGAO
In an interesting development, inspection of the land behind the Holy Spirit cemetery near Hospicio hospital has revealed that the area is marked as an open space, which may facilitate the long standing proposal for the expansion of the burial grounds.
The inspection carried out by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) in the presence of Margao Municipal councillors, Angelis Pereira and Glen Andrade revealed that the 1000-plus area is an open space, which after effecting certain changes in the zone could be utilised for the expansion of the cemetery.
With the SGPDA inspection confirming that the land is an open space, sources in the PDA said the changes in the Outline Development Plan (ODP) vis-Ã -vis the land in question can be brought about if the Margao civic body makes a formal proposal to the PDA to utilise the open space for the expansion of the burial grounds.
When The Goan called up the PDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar to shed light on the inspection, he confirmed that the area is an open space, but hastened to add that the municipality will have to make a proposal to the PDA for a change of zone in the ODP.
Both councillors Angelis Pereira and Glen Andrade have exuded confidence that the cemetery expansion proposal will find favour with Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai, who is also the Town and Country Planning Minister. With the PDA confirming that the land in question is an open space, sources said the TCP Minister will be approached again to take up the matter so that the long-standing demand for the expansion of the cemetery is finally realised.
