Raise questions on huge sum of money, around Rs 17-odd lakh, paid to Turbo Sketch to prepare the map
MARGAO
Picking holes in the land-use map prepared by an agency, city-based social activists and citizens on Tuesday warned of an agitation if it was not withdrawn by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority, demanding extension of time for its preparation by taking citizens and city fathers into confidence.
They also raised questions over the huge sum of money, around Rs 17-odd lakh, to be paid to the agency Turbo Sketch to prepare the map for Margao and Ponda planning areas.
SGPDA Member Secretary Ashok Kumar said he would place their request for withdrawal of the plan and extend the time frame to file objections to the SGPDA for an appropriate decision.
A group of citizens comprising Avinash Tavares, Dr Francisco Colaco, Sanjeev Raiturkar, Ethel Lobo, Piedade Noronha and Laurel Abranches called on the PDA Member Secretary and picked holes in the land-use map prepared by the Turbo Sketch. The concerned citizens pointed out that the land use plan did not show the sub-categories as per the TCP rules.
The delegation maintained that the TCP rules mandate the PDA prepare the plan showing the
sub-category of zones, specifying whether the settlement houses a single family, multi-family, holiday home etc. It pointed out that several structures in the city, including the office of TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, did not reflect on the land-use map.
The citizens questioned the PDA Member Secretary on the failure to place the land-use register next to the plan for the public. “Upon questioning, they showed us the land-use register. After the inspection, we found the register was grossly inadequate. It only had columns for survey number and type of land use (residential/commercial/vacant). As per the TCP rules, for every survey number it must have the area of each plot, FAR/FSI, number of structures, number of floors, build-up area for each floor, information about water, electricity, age of the structures, etc. Again, the SGPDA has not collected this data,” informed Avinash Tavares.
PDA Member Secretary Kumar explained to the delegation that the land-use map reflects more than 90 per cent of the structures and other landmarks on the ground. “If there’s something missing, the citizens have the right to point out in writing so that it can be included,” Kumar said, while clarifying that the map has nothing to do with the zoning areas of the city.
Speaking to the media, Dr Francisco Colaco said, “Vijay may have drawn up a plan to finish everything, but we will not allow it. I have decided that along with friends we will demolish the illegalities and will demolish him also.”
