Scrap Margao ODP 2031 for breach in procedure: Greens

Margao: Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir, an organisation of environment activists, has demanded that the draft Outline Development Plan (ODP) 2031 for Margao be scrapped on the grounds that the document was in breach of procedural requirements and contained cartographical errors.
Pointing to the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and lmplementation (URDPFI) Guidelines published by Union ministry of urban development, the organisation in its objections submitted to the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) said, “These 2015 guidelines require preparation and finalisation of Perspective Plan, Regional Plan, Development Plan and Land Use Policy for the state before getting Into micro-city level planning like this draft ODP. This procedural breach is a serious procedural blunder committed by your office. ”
Pointing to some cartographic errors in the plan, the organisation said, “It is clear that the private company has no cartographic competence and allowing such a company to prepare Margao draft ODP is another major blunder.”
Stating that there was no public consultation while preparing the plan, it pointed out that the draft ODP has “done away with projection of heritage sites in Margao instead of promoting and protecting them”.
“The draft ODP signals reduced green lungs of the town, filling up of low-lying areas and comunidade paddy fields for the vested interests of real estate lobby,” the letter further adds.
“Paddy fields behind MLA Vijai Sardesai’s residence in Fatorda is shown as settlement zone, defying yet another recognition for green and cultivable land,” states the letter further, adding that part of Rajendra Prasad stadium is shown as commercial (C2) with 150 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) while paddy fields at many places are marked as commercial zones.