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Mega projects getting back door entry: GBA

HERALD
JAN 7 ,2010
The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) and Save our Slopes (SOS) have asked the government to stop permissions being granted to bring mega projects through the back door, warning that an agitation would have to be launched to fight the land sharks and the political system. GBA convenor Dr Sabina Martins told a press conference here that the GBA has received information that several projects are obtaining permissions for constructions by misrepresenting facts.

Where a six metre road is necessary at the time of approval, the Town and Country Planning has given no objection certificates (NOCs) for projects where only three to four metre wide roads exist, she said.The authorities have granted NOCs willfully after knowing the illegalities, GBA said pointing out that illegal projects have been slated to come up at Cansaulim and Carmona.

The GBA has strongly condemned the fraudulent manner in which projects are illegally permitted and has demanded that the government permit construction as per the recommendations of the Gram Sabha, village planning committees/panchayats where such recommendations involved greater restrictions on constructions and development than those envisaged in the Draft RP 2021. This must be strictly followed till such time as the final RP 2021 is notified, the organization said.

GBA has also reiterated that the government immediately announce a time limit on amendment to the relevant laws to ensure conformity to the 73rd and 74th Amendment of the Constitution.

The eco sensitive areas defined in the Draft Regional Plan, GBA said, should be applicable to all areas, as was agreed by the Task Force on RP 2021 headed by the chief minister who is also the TCP minister. For this, ODP (Outline Development Plan) areas should be part of the Regional Plan, it demanded.

Martins said no permission for construction in ecosensitive zones should be given irrespective of the status in the Outline Development Plans. No permissions should also be granted even to projects under 16/16A, GBA said.

GBA also reiterated its opposition to Section 16/ 16A where projects are allowed without public scrutiny. Martins and SOS leader Audhut Naik said that there is a continuous attempt to destroy the open spaces and public gardens in the name of development.

GBA supports the initiative taken by the citizens of Ponda to protect the green lung of the town, Martins said demanding that all gardens and public spaces in Goa be maintained by the government.

Warning the government, Naik said that failure to take immediate action on all the above demands would compel the people of Goa to once again launch agitations to save Goa from greedy land-sharks and selfish politicians.

GBA treasurer Anand Madgavkar, joint secretary Miguel Braganza, members Dr Oscar Rebello and Aravind Bhatikar were also present.

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Mega projects getting back door entry: GBA

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