Panaji (GOA) In a major decision, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department’s sub-committee has resolved to exclude Siridao, Azossim-Mandur, Batim –Gancim village areas from the jurisdiction of Greater Panjim Planning and Development Area (GPPDA).

The decision comes following protest by as many as ten village panchayats that are included in the GPPDA. The decision in regards to other seven panchayats would be taken shortly.

The four-member committee headed by TCP Minister Vijay Sardessai held its first meeting today evening and it resolved to omit the village panchayat of Siridao, Azossim-Mandu and Batim-Gancim from planning and development area (PDA).

 St Andre MLA Francis Silveria along with the respective Sarpanch and panch members were present for the meeting.

Sardessai said that the sub-committee has concluded that Siridao was never included in GPPDA, while the Azossim-Mandu and Batim-Gancim should be omitted from the planning and development area. “Our resolution will be placed before the TCP Board for final decision,” he said.

The TCP Board meeting is scheduled on April 10.