Mixed reactions to Margao Master Plan proposal

10 Oct 2023 CW Team

The proposal for a master plan for Margao by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has sparked concerns, especially considering a similar initiative launched in 2013-14 that never materialised.

Prior to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's departure to assume the role of Defence Minister, the government had commissioned a Spain-based design firm to create a master plan for Margao. Substantial groundwork had been initiated, with engineers from the consultancy firm conducting four visits to Margao to understand its developmental needs and gather input. Interactions were held with various government bodies such as PWD, SGPDA, land survey department, and traffic police to address Margao's developmental challenges.

However, the change in government leadership in November 2014 led to the master plan being put on hold. Ambitious ideas for Margao's development, including completing the ring road project, resolving issues on the eastern bypass highway at Nuvem, constructing a western bypass from Verna to Navelim, establishing a transport terminus, creating green spaces, recreation zones, cycling tracks, and pedestrian streets, remained unrealised.

The Shadow Council for Margao, notably architect Carlos Gracias, has expressed reservations about GSUDA's master plan initiative. Gracias questioned the necessity of a new master plan when an Outline Development Plan (ODP) already exists. According to him, the law mandates the preparation of a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) rather than another parallel planning effort.

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