SGPDA Member Secretary says the building is shown as commercial because of ITS commercial activity, reassures it will be shown as heritage structure in OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
the goan I network
MARGAO
A couple of Margao City Fathers have strongly rooted for the utilisation of the space behind the Holy Spirit cemetery for the expansion of the burial ground, while others insisted that the Monte Hill area be zoned as a hilly terrain to bar constructions atop the picturesque hillock.
One of the councillors also pointed out to the PDA that the heritage structure, Camara de Salcete building is shown as commercial. SGPDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar, however, sought to clarify that the Camara building is shown as commercial in the land use map because of the commercial activity in the building, reassuring that the building will be shown as heritage structure in the ODP.
The City Fathers made a host of suggestions from the city’s planning point of view as the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) on Friday set in motion the process of obtaining inputs from the local self-government body ahead of the preparation of the Outline Development Plan (ODP) for Margao.
Councillors Angelis Pereira and Glen Andrade made a forceful plea to the SGPDA to consider utilisation of the space near the Hospicio for the expansion of the cemetery. Saying that the cemetery has been facing space constraints over the years, the two councillors said the SGPDA should consider utilising the land between the cemetery and the BPS club for expansion of the burial grounds.
SGPDA member secretary Ashok Kumar told The Goan that the PDA will inspect the land suggested by the two councillors, to find out the details, including the ownership of the land and the zone.
Angelis and Glen later told The Goan that they will also make a representation to the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai to consider the expansion of the Holy Spirit cemetery on the plot of land between the cemetery wall and the BPS Club. “We have made our suggestion to the SGPDA since the existing cemetery is facing severe space constraints,” they added.
Meanwhile, councillor Glen Andrade told the SGPDA that the Monte Hill area zone should be declared as hilly terrain to scuttle plans by the builders to utilise the land for settlement. “Right now, the Monte Hill area has been declared as green zone. Declaring the area as a hilly terrain will protect the picturesque hillock for posterity,” Glen added.
He also drew the attention of SGPDA officials that the crumbling Camara de Salcete building at the Old market is marked as commercial. “As we all know, this building is a heritage area. It cannot be commercial,” he said, while urging the PDA to retain the heritage status of the building. The councillor also raised questions on the 20-metre wide Borda road, fearing that the road width, if implemented, will result in the razing down of the heritage structures along the road.
Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai also raised a host of questions on the status of the zone vis-a-vis the land acquired around Sonsodo.
The SGPDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar told The Goan that a joint special meeting of the Margao Municipal Council and the SGDPA will be held soon, wherein all
issues concerning the planning of the city will be deliberated in details.
“At the special meeting, we expect the Margao City Fathers to submit all their proposals in writing,” he said, adding that the PDA officials explained to the MMC councillors the land use map and register put in place by the civic body and the steps being taken to prepare the ODP for the planning areas of Margao.
Councillors Angelis Pereira and Glen Andrade made a forceful plea to consider utilisation of the space near the Hospicio for the expansion of the cemetery
Councillor Glen Andrade informed that the Monte Hill area zone should be declared as hilly terrain to scuttle plans by the builders to utilise the land for settlement
The councillor also raised questions on the 20-metre wide Borda road, fearing that the road width, if implemented, will result in the razing down of the heritage structures along the road
Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai also raised a host of questions on the status of the zone vis-a-vis the land acquired around Sonsodo