The Town and Country Planning Department finally backed down and revoked permission for construction of an 85-room hotel in Curtorim. The apparent reason for this reversal was the absence of an eight-meter wide approach road to the project site and the realisation that it was not possible to widen it now or in the near future. It might seem like an academic question in the light of what has happened so far, but was the TCP not aware of the ground realities when it issued the permission? Curtorim has reason to heave a sigh of relief. It can celebrate only once the panchayat revokes the construction licence which should not be too much of a problem. Generally speaking, projects that generate economic activity and create jobs ought to be welcomed, but withing the larger context of the village and surrounding areas. Excessive development has the potential to completely alter the character of villages and this could be a reason why residents agitate. The regional plan is supposed to be the master plan for development in the state. Unfortunately, it is yet to be cleared by the government and the delay is adding more confusion to the development process in the state. The plan was, by and large, accepted as a workable baring a few areas where certain interests were allowed to hold sway. Quick clearance of the plan will ensure balanced development minus the heartburn and hopefully, prevent a Curtorim-type protest elsewhere.
