Goa cabinet decided to de-notify plan

MUMBAI: In a major decision, the Goa cabinet decided to de-notify the proposed Regional Plan 2011 that looks to develop commercials buildings and hotels in state���s forested areas.

The state government now want to involve consultants to formulate a new plan which is expected to be prepared in the next 3-4months. ���We have taken this decision in view of the protest by people. It���s done keeping in mind people���s sentiments���, said chief minister Pratapsing Rane who is also the Town and Country Planning Minister. This assumes importance in view of the upcoming state elections scheduled early this year.

The state cabinet���s decision today comes in the wake of recommendations by the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) which had asked state government to denotify the same and draft a new plan instead.

Earlier protests against Regional Plan 2011 had forced town and country planning minister Atanasio ���Babush��� Monseratte to resign from the post. Plan was also opposed by Goa���s Archbishop, some Hindu religious leaders and also bodies like the ���Goa Bachao Andolan��� and ���Save Goa Front; who feared that it would destroy Goa���s scenic beauty. Opposition to the plan also came from political parties like BJP and also the NCP.