Panaji (Goa) “Multiplying of unconstitutional PDAs and notifying new ‘ODPs’ is the new method of by-passing the people which is basically disempowerment and land grab,” Goa Bachao Abhiyan, said today.

The GBA in its last meeting discussed the problems of multiple ODPs and PDAs, which are prepared subverting the process of people’s participation and the notified Regional Plan 2021

 “PDAs are unconstitutional bodies which are a relic of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu era and based on the TCP Act, 1975 enacted before devolution of powers mandated by the Constitution as the 73rd and 74th Amendments,” GBA convener Martins said.

She said that more PDAs are being planned threatening to continue the dubious tradition of the government of not adhering to the Constitution.

Martins said that PDAs are not in the interest of the State because they are currently headed by unelected persons or MLAs of other constituencies; builders’ bureaucrats and draftsmen who are not answerable to the affected people as a Municipal Councillor or a Panchayat member would be. 

GBA claimed that flouting of planning norms and structured inclusion of peoples’ participation threatens the future of inhabitants of places like Panjim, Vasco, Ponda, Margao, Mapusa and now even coastal villages like Candolim, Calangute and Arpora- Nagoa.