MARGAO
Can you guess where Margao’s much-publicised Master Plan stands today? More than a year ago, it was launched with great excitement, only to face a major roadblock due to public opposition.
The plan was prepared by a Mumbai-based consultant appointed by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA). It was officially unveiled on 17 January 2024 at the Margao Municipal Hall. However, controversy erupted soon after when the consultant held a PowerPoint presentation for a select group of professionals while leaving citizen groups out of the consultation process.
That wasn’t all. A presentation was also held for Margao’s councillors on the same day, but the response was lukewarm. Only nine out of 25 councillors attended, raising questions about their interest in the plan.
The plan suggests major changes for Margao, including an Integrated Public Transit system, rejuvenation of the River Sal with a buffer zone, promotion of agro-tourism and heritage tourism, and new economic opportunities. It also proposes revitalising the municipal garden area and creating a pedestrian-friendly city centre. Additionally, the plan divides Margao into three zones—Fatorda, Margao Centre, and Margao South.
However, one particular proposal caused significant public outcry. The plan includes commercial use of properties acquired by GSUDA nearly two decades ago, spread across both Fatorda and Margao. This proposal was strongly opposed by citizens, including Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.
During his visit to Margao last year, Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane, who also serves as GSUDA’s Chairman, supported the idea of holding a public consultation before the Margao Municipal Council approved the plan. However, the consultation process has yet to begin, raising doubts about the plan’s future.
Sources suggest that the Margao Municipal Council should hold a special meeting with a single-point agenda to discuss and approve the plan before making it public.
“The way the plan was presented before the City Fathers raised many an eyebrow. Even the majority of the City Fathers did not turn up for the PowerPoint presentation. It is in the fitness of things that the consultant is called again to give a PowerPoint presentation, first for the Margao City Fathers, before the plan is placed in public domain for deliberations and discussions,” sources informed.
Apart from zoning and transit improvements, the plan suggests a structured network of streets, creating blocks for different land uses—such as mixed-use commercial, residential, and industrial areas.
Additionally, the plan proposes an innovation hub south of the railway station. This hub would include retail spaces, arts and culture zones, entertainment areas, an incubation hub, innovation labs, hospitality services, and multipurpose spaces.
With no consultation held since its unveiling, the fate of the Master Plan remains uncertain. Will the Margao Municipal Council take action, or will the plan be forgotten? That remains to be seen.
