NT NETWORK
PANAJI
The North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has proposed to increase the FAR value up to 200 per cent for redevelopment of old buildings provided that a provision for parking is made on at least two floors, NGPDA chairman Michael Lobo has said.
Lobo on Wednesday addressed a press conference along with Panaji MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar. He said, “We have kept open the Panaji ODP for correction, revision and alteration. Besides this, we have also proposed to increase the FAR value to 200 per cent for redevelopment which of only buildings in the city limits on a condition that there is a provision of parking in two floors. This new FAR value will become applicable only after new ODP is approved and certain amendments made to rules and regulation of TCP Act which we will now propose to the government.”
Lobo also said that the city multi-level parking building will be a boon to tourism adding, “There is a need of two more such multi-level car parking buildings – one near 18th June Road and another along the Miramar road to decongest the city.”
Panaji MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar said, “We have to provide adequate parking space to decongest the city though most of the government offices and schools have been shifted out. The problem is compounded due to lack of vision towards parking. Hence, we have to shift out remaining government offices and help the housing societies of old buildings to redevelop their buildings with new designs and additional FAR for constructing multi-level parking facilities aimed at providing efficient and automated parking lots with a vision to save space.”
To a question, Kuncolienkar said that heritage buildings will be permitted for redesign while maintaining existing architectural style but not for converting them into high rises.