Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A financial dispute involving the construction of the All India Institute of Ayurveda campus at Dhargal in Pernem has been resolved, with the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) deciding that no further payment is required towards the disputed Rs 1.12 crore.
The issue arose after the Accountant General’s audit raised questions about the amount collected from the project authorities for commencing construction without obtaining environmental clearance in advance.
The audit had calculated a higher financial liability and sought an explanation for the difference between the assessed amount and the Rs 23 lakh already deposited by the project authorities.
Following the audit observation, SEIAA sought further clarification regarding the project’s expenditure and the basis adopted for calculating the environmental violation charges.
During the review, NBCC (India) Limited submitted that the expenditure incurred up to the relevant stage of the project was Rs 23 crore. It also pointed out that the earlier figure of Rs 94.39 crore communicated to the authority was based on an incorrect calculation.
SEIAA subsequently examined the revised figures and accepted the explanation. Based on the expenditure of Rs 23 crore, the authority found that the Rs 23 lakh already paid was sufficient to meet the applicable one per cent charge.
Another point considered was the proposed additional levy calculated on the basis of turnover. The authority observed that the All India Institute of Ayurveda operates as a non-profit institution and therefore concluded that the turnover-linked component could not be applied in this case.
Taking these factors into account, SEIAA decided against demanding the additional Rs 1.12 crore. It will also convey its decision and the supporting justification to the Accountant General’s office.
The environmental compliance issue dates back to 2021, when inspections brought to light that construction at the Dhargal site had begun before the project secured the necessary environmental approval.
The centrally supported institute is being developed on a site measuring around two lakh square metres, with plans to expand Ayurveda-based education and healthcare facilities in Goa.
