Goa AAP opposes trifurcation of planning body

The AAP in Goa on Thursday opposed the proposed trifurcation of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority and accused the state government of trying to facilitate corruption through dubious land conversions.

The authority's trifurcation by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government into Coastal PDA, Panaji PDA and Greater Panaji PDA will put the common man in difficulty due to multiplicity of power centres related to town planning processes and land-use clearances, Aam Aadmi Party Spokesperson Valmiki Naik told the media here.

"These PDAs are nothing but avenues for corruption," Naik claimed, adding that land conversion for monetary consideration was a norm in the state's PDA.

Currently, Goa has three Planning and Development Authorities -- for North Goa, South Goa and for Vasco town municipal area.

The AAP leader alleged the trifurcation of North Goa Planning and Development Authority will facilitate the entry of more members from the Goa Forward party to get official positions.

Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai, however, has said that the trifurcation will ensure better planning for development of the areas concerned.

--IANS

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