Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan Ashok Khaunte told the Goa Legislative Assembly that the proposed Unity Mall project at Chimbel does not fall within any notified Wetland Conservation Zone and that the State government will not permit any development in protected areas.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by St Cruz MLA Rodolf Fernandes, Khaunte said the Wetland Conservation Authority has confirmed in writing that the project site is outside the notified wetland zone. He reiterated that the government is fully committed to conserving wetlands and that all environmental laws and regulations will be strictly followed.
Addressing concerns raised by local residents, including members of the Scheduled Tribe community, Khaunte said the government was sensitive to their issues. He said the Unity Mall is a swadeshi, job-oriented project that will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for locals.
He clarified that no water from nearby lakes or reservoirs will be used for the project and that the required water supply will be provided by the Public Works Department. He also said that though the project site is located near the proposed national highway, there are no plans to widen the highway and that no houses will be affected.
Khaunte said the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has secured all mandatory approvals, including clearance from the Wetland Conservation Authority and the Goa State Pollution Control Board, besides other statutory permissions required under law.
The minister said the Unity Mall is part of a central government initiative under which 38 such malls are being developed in 27 States to strengthen local economies by supporting artisans, self-help groups and local producers.
Questioning the opposition to the project, Khaunte said similar Unity Malls are being welcomed in other States, while only Goa is witnessing resistance. He added that Goa has received three major central projects — the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum, the Porvorim Town Square and the Unity Mall — all aimed at boosting tourism, strengthening the economy and generating employment.
Referring to protests and hunger strikes against the project, Khaunte said people often accuse the government of not creating jobs but oppose development projects that generate employment. He recalled that an earlier proposed IT project at Chimbel was dropped following public opposition, even though it would have created skilled jobs, and said the Unity Mall would provide both skilled and unskilled employment.
He said the four-storey Unity Mall will be built on a total area of 20,800 square metres, with actual construction limited to about 4,000 square metres. He also stated that the project falls outside the 250-metre regulated impact zone.
Khaunte said many residents of St Cruz support the project as it would secure their children’s future and benefit tourism and the local economy.
Chief Minister’s assurance
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the House that the government has already held discussions with local residents brought by MLA Rodolf Fernandes and that further talks would be held with the protesters on Wednesday evening, as invited by the Speaker.
He said the government remains committed to protecting lakes and wetlands and will ensure all conservation norms are followed. The Chief Minister added that Chimbel village needs development and that the Unity Mall project would bring maximum benefits to the local population.
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