Mixed reactions to Margao Master Plan proposal
10 Oct 2023
2 Min Read
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.
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.
Next Story
unWOOD transforms plastic waste into durable wood alternative
unWOOD, a breakthrough innovation, is converting hard-to-recycle plastic waste into a durable alternative to natural wood. Developed through a proprietary process called Intelligent Compounding, unWOOD uses a Macro Molecular Fiber Matrix (MMFM) structure to replicate the strength, look, and feel of hardwood鈥攚ithout the environmental cost.Conceptualised by Dr Babu Padmanabhan, the material addresses key flaws in traditional plastic recycling by consuming minimal energy, using zero water, and generating no microplastics. 鈥淎ny application that introduces plastics into areas where it cannot be..
Next Story
H盲fele launches Matrix undermount runners range
H盲fele has introduced its new Matrix range of undermount runners, designed to enhance drawer motion across kitchens, wardrobes, bathroom units, and more.Available in four weight capacities and a wide range of lengths, the Matrix undermount runners support diverse drawer designs. The 40 kg and 60 kg variants feature synchronised technology for superior motion and drawer stability. All runners come with an integrated soft-close mechanism to ensure smooth and noiseless operation.This in-house range is ideal for kitchen cabinets, bed storage units, living room furniture and bathroom drawers, offe..
Next Story
India's first AI-integrated campus announced in Noida
Yashoda Hospital and Bhutani Infra have announced plans to develop India鈥檚 first fully AI-integrated mixed-use campus in Greater Noida West. The upcoming project will feature a hospital, retail spaces, offices, SOHOs, serviced apartments, and a hotel鈥攁ll operating within a self-learning, generative AI-powered ecosystem.The AI-first campus will integrate real-time data systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive infrastructure to offer personalised experiences across functions. From AI-enabled footfall tracking and dynamic energy optimisation to smart F&B and retail insights, the develo..
