*GGRM highlights multiple problems at end of RP 2021 consultative process* A day prior to the conclusion of the RP2021 consultative process, the ganv ghor Rakhon Manch (GGRM) called a press conference to highlight the persisting problems with the participative process and the subsequent frustruation of the rights of the people in self-governance.
GGRM maintains that clear and largely error-free baseline data was not provided to the various village panchayats across Goa. Neither was sufficient or effective technical assistance available in most of the villages that are in contact with GGRM. GGRM observes that while the efforts of a few villages such as Parra are being highlighted as exemplary, these villages remain the aberration rather than the rule. Their success has been largely the result of efforts of locals who have been fortunate enough to have qualified people resident in the village. For the rest of Goa though, this facility has been unavailable. The result was that even at the fag end of the allegedly consultative process, villagers have had to be explained, sometimes for the first time, the meaning of the maps and the data. In the absence of sufficient sittings with technical experts, it has been possible in many villages for the builder’s lobby to confuse the villagers regarding the FAR provisions under VP 3 and ensure that villages were classified as VP 1. That these meetings were held across Goa on Easter Sunday is testament that the time period was insufficient and that appropriate support was not available. That these meetings were held on Easter Sunday, a major Catholic festival, was also reason for many of these meetings being poorly attended. Many of the constituent groups of GGRM have indicated that they are trapped between a rock and a hard place as a result of the consultative process. They have been made to work without technical aid, in face of widespread errors by the TCP department, even while there is no assurance that their suggestions will be given any importance. The example of the suggestions filed in the case of the Mapusa ODP and summarily ignored is one such example. Thus they wonder the value of the work they have put in. On the other hand, not submitting their report would allow the TCP and the Government a free hand to bulldoze through proposals that are not in the interest of these villagers. GGRM maintains that these and the other problems that will definitely ensue is a result of a lack of legally recognized and uniform framework for the conduct of the consultative process. Recognizing that the State Government may not be able to extend the deadline for the process as a result of the Code of Conduct, GGRM has recommended to the Government that it not act on the suggestions, and be open to discussion on the fate of this process, subsequent to the conclusion of the elections. GGRM would like to draw to the attention of the public that its last memorandum to the Government highlighted the following issues, that have still not received any response from the State Government. - Immediate repeal/revocation of legislations/ ordinances passed from the date the Task Force was constituted; namely amendments to Sec. 16 & 16A TCP Act, proposed Goa PR Act Amendment Bill 2009, Land Acquisition (Goa Amendment) Ordinance 2009. - Immediate re-enactment / amendment, after a thorough public debate and discussion, as necessary the Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, the Municipal Act, 1968, The Corporation of City of Panaji Act, 2002 and the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, as well as other related legislation that need to be harmonized, to create this legal framework within which the Regional Plan process may move forward toward fruition, as well as for future replication. - As an interim measure, and until the adoption of the Regional Plan 2021, GGRM has demanded that there be effected a total and immediate freeze on the construction of structures in villages. - Constructions (not for profit, constructions of dwelling units) that are so determined to be permissible, should be in conformance to VP 3 Regulations, until the RP 2021 is finally notified. - No constructions in areas that have been demarcated as eco-sensitive zone-1 under the draft Regional Plan until the RP 2021 is finally notified. In other areas, until the RP 2021 is finally notified, the construction of structures in villages be permitted only after the Gram Sabha verifies that the proposed site does not lie within an eco-sensitive zone-1. - A clear indication from the Government that the ODPs will be integrated into the Regional Plan process and clearly articulated legally recognized role (through the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, Goa Municipalities Act, Corporation of the City of Panaji Act and Town and Country Planning Act) in the formulation of these Outline Development Plans. Since none of these measures, necessary for a meaningful and effective public participatory process have been carried out, GGRM is not surprised that there are so many problems at the conclusion of the allegedly participatory process for the RP 2021. On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti GGRM pays homage to the father of the Indian constitution by pledging to monitor the situation and contemplate legal action if required to ensures that the content of the 73 rd and 74thamendment to the constitution are implemented in letter and spirit . s/d s/d Geraldine Fernandes Kim Miranda Convenor Secretary -- ------------------------------------------------------- Read my thoughts at www.dervishnotes.blogspot.com
