Margao’s draft master plan ’41 meet sparks row

Margao: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) announced a public presentation of its draft master plan 2041 scheduled for June 19, drawing mixed reactions from stakeholders and residents over the short notice period provided for public participation.

In a notice dated June 16, chief officer Melvyn Vaz announced that the presentation will be held at 10.30am in the MMC hall, aimed at gathering inputs and feedback from stakeholders before finalising the city’s blueprint. The MMC said that the presentation seeks to ensure “a well-structured people-centric and sustainable master plan 2041 that addresses the needs of the community and enhances the quality of life for all residents”.

However, the 48-hour notice sparked criticism from civil society groups. Madganvcho Awaaz strongly objected to what it termed an “undemocratic and rushed attempt”, even as the group submitted a letter to the chief officer demanding immediate postponement of the presentation. “Just 48 hours’ notice for a presentation on the Margao draft master plan 2041 is an insult to public participation,” said Prabhav Naik of Madganvcho Awaaz, questioning the intention behind the hurried process. “Who is this master in a hurry?” he said, hinting at possible vested interests influencing the plan.

In Jan 2024, similar concerns were raised when presentations were held exclusively for select groups, with NGOs and public-spirited individuals being denied entry to sessions conducted by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai had also criticised the lack of transparency in master planning exercises, terming earlier efforts as potential “land grab” plans affecting farmers’ lands acquired during 2007-2012 when Congress was in office.

In contrast, Savio Coutinho of the Shadow Council for Margao welcomed the announcement, stating, “Our demand for a public presentation stands fulfilled. We appeal to all to attend this presentation and know what is good and bad for our Margao town.”