One cannot not agree with Nandkumar's view that the current RP2021 process
must be scrapped in toto. Goa has managed to function in a void for the last
4 years it can afford to do so for another 2 years but if the present
process, under the obsolete planning laws, is allowed to go on and get
ratified it will be an eternal disaster. GBA has played the fool with the
people which got amply proved and in my opinion it continues to do so
because at the end of the day, GBA is like a virtual drive in the PC. No one
can feel its physical being that it can be held accountable and responsible
at the end of the day.
Merely claiming that the RP 2021 must be in sink with the 73rd and 74th
Amendement is another mantra which GBA itself is in confusion about. What
are the TOR for GBA to ascertain that the RP 2021 is in sink with 73 & 74
Amendment. 3 years down the line GBA does not have its own road map on what
would an RP for Goa involve. Contradictions in GBA are galore with
architects, engineers and other cheer leaders for real estate pulling on one
side, while the pro-people, pro-participatory group pulling on the other.
GBA is a big bundle of contradictions. It agrees that the TCP Act is
obsolete while in the same breathe it insists for an RP2021 prepared under
this very obsolete TCP law. At the end of this it adds the catchy phrase,
'in sink with the 73rd and 74th Amendment'. If one cares to study the TCP
Act one will realise that for it to be in sink with the 73rd and 74th
Amendment the entire planning process itself has to be turned on its head.
This involves a lot of rethinking.
We are well aware that architects, engineers and real estate developers
prefer to deal with the TCP dept.then with the Gram Sabha. Thats the crux of
the issue as to why GBA is pushing for the RP 2021. Should the down-top
approach materialise it will be hell for unscrupulous architects and
engineers who are able to manipulate the present TCP Act to cover up
irregularities.
Therefore, the present TCP Act must be replaced with a single Act that
governs land use without any scope for interference from politicians and
bureaucrats. Only when clearly spelt out base maps on land use for entire
Goa are in place, and the processes of down-top consutation for any
alterations provided for, will Goa be able to enjoy some peace and planned
development. If the government can hire foreign consultants for the
signature sea-link, it can very well engage foreign consultants to put in
place these planning laws instead of telling people to give the alternative.
The Union Government has also worked out draft guidelines for planning laws
which are in sink with the 73rd and 74th amendment but politicians and real
estate developers are stalling the finalisation process.
So, we definitely require to say No To the present RP 2021.
-Soter
* * *
The book people are already talking about: Goanetter Selma Carvalho's *Into
the Diaspora Wilderness*. Launch on July 25, 2010 at the UK Goan Festival
[http://goafest.itpsworld.net] Goa launch next month. See
http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/ Buy at Broadway's, Panjim [Ph
9822488564] at Rs 295 in Goa. Overseas, postage extra.
* * *
