Inclusion of Socorro in ODP, VP2 irks locals TNN, Dec 6, 2010, 12.23am IST
PANAJI: The inclusion of Socorro village partly in outline development plan (ODP) areas for planning purpose and grant of VP 2 status for other areas came in for sharp criticism by villagers at the gram sabha on Sunday.
While releasing the Regional Plan for Goa 2021 (Release One), the state level committee (SLC) has granted higher floor area ratio (FAR) to many panchayats and included many other (non-PDA) bodies in ODP areas for planning purpose.
In all, SLC has granted VP1 status to 42 panchayats, including 20 in the coastal heartland, and 137 of them VP2 status purportedly to ensure balanced growth.
The villagers alleged that despite the government's claims, preparation of RPG 2021 was not a participatory planning process. "The entire exercise of consultation with the village panchayat was not a statutory process nor was it notified by the government," Soter D'Souza, a former panch stated.
A resolution tabled by D'Souza opposing land zoning of VP2 (part) and ODP (part) was adopted unanimously by the gram sabha. The details and information regarding the proposals was not presented in the draft RP 2021 when it was sent to the Socorro panchayat. It was only referred for specific rectifications of land-use maps and suggestions of zoning, the members said.
Alleging that the panchayat areas have been brought under ODP in a clandestine manner, they said an identical plan earlier to include Porvorim within PDA limits had been scrapped after citizens' protests. The guarantee of zoning restrictions and eco-sensitive zones appears redundant with the government initiating a parallel planning process with ODP as a separate identity, D' Souza said.
The members also took exception to the proposal of micro-industrial zones in villages. It is similar to destructive development in the form of industrial estates on plateaus and water catchment and eco-sensitive areas. The recommendation that 70% preference for plots be given to the locals is a mere eye wash. The members suggested the setting up of cottage industries for its local artisans and professionals in the village.
The members also protested against the proposed alignment of national highway 17 through thickly populated areas and the proposed expansion planned by the government. The NH17 has not improved people's socio-economic status but caused agony and loss of life and limb due to accidents, besides air and noise pollution, the members said.
The presence of trucks on the highway carrying toxic materials and speeding vehicles pose a serious problem to senior citizens and children while crossing NH17. The members also opposed the toll fee for motorists and urged the government in a resolution to divert the alignment through the hinterland.
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