Today, citizens and members of the Shadow Council for Margao voiced serious concerns regarding the preparation of the Master Plan for Margao, labeling it as a significant misuse of public funds. Shadow Council Convener Mr. Savio Coutinho, citing details obtained through RTI from GSUDA, accused the agency of continuing work on a contract that expired in February 2023, with payments exceeding 68 lakhs to Studio POD, despite the contract’s invalidity.
Addressing the press briefing were SCM Convener Mr. Savio Coutinho, along with Jack Mascarenhas(GFPK), Arch Carlos Gracias, Lalan Parsekar, Camara, Jose Maria Miranda, Agriculturist Claudio Colaco, Mara do Carmo, and Clifford Dias, among others, who demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud.
Mr. Coutinho highlighted that although the contract was awarded to StudioPOD Design Private Ltd. for preparing plans for Ponda, Margao, and Valpoi Municipal Councils, work on the Margao Master Plan commenced after the contract’s expiration. This raised questions about the legitimacy of the payments made by GSUDA.
Moreover, concerns were raised about the proposed Master Plan’s focus on concreteization and lack of public participation. Agriculturist Claudio Colaco expressed worries about the plan’s potential impact on green spaces and agricultural activities in Margao.
Furthermore, Mr. Coutinho recalled a similar incident in 2010 when a Comprehensive Development Plan, funded by public money, faced objections from citizens after its unveiling at the Margao Municipal hall. He emphasized the need for transparency and public involvement in the planning process.
The SCM is currently reviewing the inputs collected by StudioPOD from stakeholders and plans to share their findings with the public soon. Preliminary observations suggest that relevant stakeholders, aside from the builder lobby and the son of Margao MLA, were not consulted adequately.
Mr. Jack Mascarenhas highlighted the alarming exclusion of drainage systems from the Master Plan, warning of potential consequences akin to those faced by Bangalore due to improper planning.
Arch Carlos Gracias demanded clarification on the legal basis for GSUDA’s involvement in the Master Plan preparation.
