the goan I network
PANAJI
Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai asked his legislator colleague Antonio ‘Tony’ Fernandes not to be ‘led by the mob’ as he agreed to meet a delegation of St Cruz villagers protesting the inclusion of their village in the Greater Panaji PDA but refused to accept the demand to denotify the village.
“The people who are protesting till date have not given me any representation. Not even one. It was through a consensus that the PDA was made. The Greater Panaji PDA was for the greater good of Panaji. It was not done all of a sudden. Today there is a debate and you say that I should rescind,” Sardesai said.
“You cannot be led by mobs. You cannot change… consistency is the hallmark of good governance. We cannot change on the whims and fancies of people who develop cold feet,” Sardesai said in response to Fernandes who said that he had resigned from the PDA to respect the wishes of the people.
Earlier, Tony had raised the issue of the PDA and people’s opposition to it.
“St Cruz constituency consists of lakes eco-sensitive zones fields and khazan lands. Moreover, Bondvoll lake area is in PDA and one Haroon has built a road which has reached right at the lake,” Fernandes said.
“I was supporting the PDA, I wanted my village to be developed. For the last 30 years nothing has happened in St Cruz. I wanted periphery roads. I always used to say that from Talaulikar Hospital to GMC during peak hours it used to take half an hour. But if people don’t want this, I have to stay with the people. The minister’s intention might be good. But some don’t understand. I have one request that when I come with a delegation you discuss the pro and cons of why it (St Cruz) is included (in the PDA) why it cannot be removed (from the PDA).
However, Sardesai assured him that all areas will be protected and that there was no reason to fear.
“Bondvoll is protected by a High Court order… which states that 200m radius from the water level is a no development zone.
No more PDAs after this, assures Vijai
PANAJI: Minister of Town and Country Planning Vijai Sardesai said that he would stick to his word that there would be no more PDAs in Goa especially in Salcete.
“There will be no more PDAs. At least in Salcete. Not a single inch will be shown and not a single coastal area will be in PDA. When the minister makes such a clear statement then where is the fear?” Sardesai asked referring to a news report that the Colva panchayat has passed a resolution against PDAs.
“That means that somebody is trying to create a fear psychosis. I want to tell the people of Goa that when a decision is taken, it is taken. Come with something which is legitimate, which areas you want I will mark them out. We’ll specifically see that those areas are omitted. I can give you an assurance. Our interest is not to just destroy areas,” Sardesai said.
