Assolna villagers unite to set DRP 2021 right
Major heritage landmarks, roads, bridges were left out
BY SHENON LEMOS
ASSOLNA: Just like other Goan villages, Assolna was no exception as the villagers found most of its landmarks left out from the Regional Plan (RP) 2021 that had been prepared by the Task Force appointed by the government.
Responsible denizens of Assolna held ward-wise meetings to provide an opportunity to the residents of Assolna to express their views about the RP 2021.
The village committee comprised of approximately 21 members, including the panchayat members held eight meetings wherein the committee members interacted with the officials of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) at the village panchayat office.
Town Planner S M Bykod and draughtsman Francisco D'Sousa gave their valuable assistance to Assonakars in understanding the maps better.
"At the gram sabha, we were nominated by our villagers. While I, too had an earnest feeling to do something for my village by protecting our land and minimising any further damage," exclaimed a committe member, Tony Fernandes who is a business man, by profession.
Sunny Dias, an engineer added "We were not aware what was wrong with the earlier RP 2011, so this time I thought it would be a good opportunity to know more about this RP 2021 and do something for my village, so I, too, pitched in."
Hurdles faced
Difficulties did arise, as the data supplied to us was of poor quality, informed Sunny.
"Out of the three maps supplied to the Assolna panchayat, two maps are of the village of Assolna (scale 1:5000) wherein the maps contained many errors and omissions. Our village panchayat on one map was denoted as VP-l, while on the other, it is shown as VP-3, confusing the real facts," he added.
"As per the plan provided many internal village roads were depicted incomplete or shown in the wrong place and wrong scale. No distinction was made between the actual existing roads, bridges and the proposed development. A non-existent bridge has been shown to exist at the ferry point, a few hundred meters downstream from the existing bridge over the River Sal," he remarked.
"The village committee tried its best with the limited resources at its disposal to correct these errors by putting forth a new plan for our village," stated the Assolna sarpanch Joaquim.
Landmarks missed
Some of the landmarks that were missed out in the map included Regina Martyrum Church, Regina Martyrum cemeteries (old and new), Monument of Christ the King, Regina Martyrum School. "The monument of Christ the King is a heritage structure. The only one of its kind in India and probably the second in Asia (the other being in Karachi-Pakistan) so we have made the necessary changes," stated Tony.
Besides, the Maruti Temple (Orel), Bethal temple (Assolna village square), Hindu crematorium (the southern bank of the River Sal upstream of the existing bridge). These religious structures that are of great significance to our Hindu residents were also missed out, the Assolna resident pointed out.
The huge cross monument in the village square also of great historical significance and other public utilities and buildings such as the village post office, market complex, Lohia Chowk, sports complex, Children's Park were also included in the new plan.
Comments about satisfaction
When asked whether they were satisfied about the task set before them of preparing the plan for the entire Assolna village?
Sunny said, "whether the plan set up by us is taken into account or not, will remain a question. But I wanted to do something for my village and I am satisfied that I was a part of the committee." Tony opined, "Satisfaction depends, if recommendations put forth by us, is taken into account and is implemented. That would be a great feeling. But if this is an eyewash exercise, then it will be very disappointing. But if our suggestions are taken into the new Regional Plan 2021 then things for our state also will move into the right decision."
