Goa: Planned development | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

Town and Country Planning

• The Town and Country Planning Department is responsible for all planning-related activities in Goa. Its role is statutory under the T&CP Act 1974 and advisory for developmental activities under other relevant Acts, Regulations, Byelaws, and Rules in the state. The department serves as the physical planning and development control authority for Goa, aiming to implement various plans, including:
  • Regional Plan: Covers the entire State of Goa.
  • Outline Development Plans/Zoning Plans: Prepared for all notified planning areas, non-PDA towns, and villages.
  • Traffic & Transportation Plan.
  • Conservation Area Plans.
  • Development Plans: For areas surrounding railway stations.
  • Consultancy & Technical Services: For Government/Semi-Government agencies, including rehabilitation and layout plans for residential and industrial developments.
• The department also maintains a list of heritage buildings and sites in the state of Goa.

Town and Country Planning

• The preparation and implementation of the Regional Plan for Goa are ongoing. The Government has initiated corrections to the Regional Plan for Goa 2021, with public suggestions being solicited. A state-level committee has determined the necessary corrections to be made.
• The Government has approved the Town Planning scheme for Down Town Mapusa, which includes Phase I at Camarkhazan and Phase II at Gaunswada. The North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) will oversee this scheme, covering 12,50,000 sq. mts in Phase I and 6,50,000 sq. mts in Phase II, with a total cost of ₹1.49 crore.
• Corrections to the Regional Plan for the Talukas of Sattari, Canacona, and Pernem are nearing completion, with the final stage of notification pending. The Government aims to complete and notify the Regional Plan 2021 for all Talukas by December 31, 2017.
• The Town and Country Planning Department is developing its own website to provide continuous updates on its activities, plans, and programs.
• A new vision program was launched to develop a “Town Planning Scheme” for Down Town Mapusa, which will be implemented in the upcoming financial year. The Government also plans to undertake similar Town Planning Schemes in other areas where suitable land parcels are available.
• The Government intends to establish a “GIS platform” for Goa, involving all Land User Departments. This centralized GIS database will provide up-to-date information on all activities and departmental data, benefiting both Government departments and the general public by improving access to information.

Smart City Mission

• The Smart Cities Mission aims to address the most urgent needs and opportunities for improving the quality of life in urban areas. It utilizes various methods, including digital and information technologies, best practices in urban planning, public-private partnerships, and policy changes, with a primary focus on people.
• The mission's goal is to develop cities that offer essential infrastructure, a high quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment, and smart solutions. The emphasis is on sustainable and inclusive growth, with a focus on compact areas that serve as models for other cities. These models are intended to inspire similar developments in various regions across the country.
• Launched by the central government in June 2015, the Smart City Mission is an urban renewal initiative designed to enhance infrastructure and create sustainable, citizen-friendly urban environments. A smart city is characterized by advanced infrastructure and communications.
• At its inception, the central government identified 100 towns across India for inclusion in this program. Panaji, the capital city of Goa, was ranked 8th among the 13 cities selected in the initial list.
• Panaji was chosen as one of the 100 Smart Cities under the Smart City Mission launched in June 2015 by the Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD). In response to the central government's release of a list of 23 cities, Panaji was invited to revise and expedite its Smart City proposals for submission by April 21, 2016.

Development of Panaji

• Celebration of Panaji’s 175 Years as State Capital: Panaji is marking 175 years since it was declared the capital town. The government plans to celebrate this milestone with a series of activities throughout the year, focusing on enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
• Funding and Development Initiatives: Panaji, having been selected as a Smart City under the AMRUT and Smart City Mission, is set to receive ₹550 crore from the central government for various development projects. Of this amount, ₹200 crore is expected to be allocated within the current year. Additionally, the state government will contribute ₹145 crore for the implementation of Smart City and AMRUT projects, with further funding provided as needed.
• Development Plans for Porvorim: A comprehensive development plan for Porvorim will be created with the help of a consultant. This plan includes initiatives such as underground cabling and the second phase of the sewage system.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

• Mission Objective: The mission, as envisioned by the President of India, aims to provide essential services such as water supply, sewerage, and urban transport, while also building amenities in cities to enhance the quality of life, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged. The GSIDC has been designated as the nodal office to oversee the AMRUT scheme.
• Works Undertaken in 2016-17:
  • Beautification and Pedestrianization of Cafe Bhosle Square: Completed at a cost of ₹9.33 crore.
  • Pedestrian Bridge Linking Central Library and Creek: Refurbished existing bridge at a cost of ₹1.46 crore.
  • Rejuvenation of Mandovi River Promenade: From Children’s Park to Youth Hostel Miramar, completed at a cost of ₹15.11 crore.
  • Rejuvenation and Redevelopment of Internal Lanes of Mala: Completed at a cost of ₹2.70 crore.
  • Rejuvenation of Clusters of Lanes in Altinho (Phase I & II): Completed at a cost of ₹1.76 crore and ₹1.43 crore, respectively.
  • Beautification of Beach Front Promenade at Miramar (Phase II): Completed at a cost of ₹12.25 crore.
  • Beautification and Upgradation of Azad Maidan Square: Completed at a cost of ₹2.32 crore.

Infrastructure, Public Works and Water Supply

• Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC): GSIDC is dedicated to enhancing infrastructure delivery by completing projects quickly, cost-effectively, and to high standards.
• Upcoming Projects for Completion:
  • New Mandovi Bridge in Panaji
  • Amona Virdi Bridge
  • Tambudki Bridge at Arpora-Baga
  • Grade Separator at Dabolim
• Maintenance Concerns: Many government projects suffer from inadequate maintenance, leading to rapid deterioration. Professional preventive maintenance is essential to save government funds on repairs and to ensure infrastructure remains in good condition for public use.
• Model Corridor Project: The Ribandar Bypass road project, costing ₹125.55 crore, is being developed as a model corridor and is scheduled for completion by December 2017.

Solid Waste Management

• Solid Waste Treatment Plant: The government has successfully commissioned a top-tier Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Saligao Plateau. To address waste management issues across Goa, three additional facilities are planned.
• New Projects:
  • Second Integrated Municipal Waste Treatment Plant: To be constructed at Cacora in South Goa, along with a transfer station, on a Designed Build Finance Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) basis. This facility aims to enhance waste segregation and collection efforts in Quepem and Sanguem Taluka and reduce indiscriminate dumping.
  • Two Additional Plants: Planned for Baiguinim and the Verna Industrial Estate. Composted material from these plants will be used by the Forest and Agricultural Departments as manure.
• Goal for Garbage-Free Goa: The government aims to make Goa garbage-free by 2020. The first step involves banning plastic bags below 40 microns and imposing heavy penalties on sellers and users, supported by appropriate legal provisions.
• Funding for Garbage Management: An allocation of ₹11,600 lakh has been provided for total garbage management, including ₹7,700 lakh for establishing transfer stations and roadside garbage collection.