Figure 2.1 Approach towards the Regional Plan

enhancing public transport across Goa, to ensure a balanced distribution of the population and sustainable growth.

2.2.1 Summary and Approach It is indeed astonishing to find that for two long years, while public reactions were being sifted and the Taluka plans were under preparation, the Government has made no attempt to start processing the core recommendations of the Regional Plan for Goa (RPG-21). In essence, the objectives of RPG-21 were to preserve the beauty and fragile eco-system of Goa while at the same time generating new jobs and prosperity for the inhabitants.

Process (bottom up approach in planning)

Figure 2.1 Approach towards the Regional Plan

Source: Regional plan for goa - 2021

RPG-2021 notified in 3 parts

Release one final report RPG-21 (November 2010)

2 Talukas - eco zone, micro industrial zone (Canacona and Pernem) Service utilization maps, Land use zones and Area statements.

Policies Included: Rationalization of Floor Area Ratios (FARs) in Villages, Eco-Zone Policies and Micro Industrial Zones (MIZ) at Panchayat level.

Release two final report RPG-21 (September 2011)

6 Talukas - forests, mining and water resources (Quepem, Ponda, Sattari, Bicholim, Sanguem and Dharbandora) Service utilization maps, Land use zones and Area statements.

Policies Included: Tribal Settlements and Tribal Rights, Management of Hazardous Industrial Waste, Water Conservation, Growth Hub at Dharbandhora-planning and development.

Release three final report RPG-21

4 Talukas – coastal zone (Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormogao and Salcete) Service utilization maps, Land use zones and Area statements.

Policies Included: ODP Areas, Export Promotion Zone (EPZ), CRZ areas, Tourism, Affordable Housing, TPS Schemes, Open Spaces, and Conservation Areas.

2.2.2 Salient Features

This was to be accomplished by several strategies, at the heart of which were the provision of Eco-1 and Eco-2, and the generation of new growth centers, away from the coastal areas, where these new jobs could be created. This would be made possible by doubling the rail tracks of the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway-so that trains could be run along them in both directions, every 15 minutes or so- as a kind of commuter service, connecting Pernem in the North to Canacona in the South. (Both Railways informed Government that in any case, they had plans to do this, and had even acquired the land. All Government needed to do was get them to hasten this process. But this was not done).

Similarly, RPG-21 recommended the bifurcation of NH-4A just after it enters the eastern boundary of the state, so that it by-passes the heart of Goa. This bifurcation would have the crucial advantage of having new roads running through the poorest Ghat sections of Goa (where the mining activities are taking place) - and so could be the vehicle for a healthy development of those areas, with new industry, housing and social infrastructure - and a phased shift away from mining.

Improving public transport with better bus services, as also introducing again the old system of gasoline services along Goa’s rivers and waterways, would also greatly