PANAJI
Amid growing demands from the Opposition to scrap the proposed Unity Mall project, the Goa government on Tuesday came out strongly in its defense, asserting that the project is located outside the wetland zone, has all statutory clearances, and is aimed at boosting the local economy and employment, even as it agreed to hold dialogue with Chimbel villagers protesting against it.
Speaking during the Calling Attention motion moved by St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly to take the initiative to convene a meeting with the protesting residents. He proposed a meeting at 4 pm on Wednesday to address concerns through dialogue and democratic means.
At the same time, Sawant questioned what he described as a “selective mentality” of objecting only to government projects, while remaining silent on private residential developments near Toyyar Lake. “There is a tendency to oppose every government project, while no questions are raised when private projects come up. This mentality needs to change,” he said.
The Chief Minister also noted that studies and reports cited by villagers”by agencies such as NIO, Goa State Bio-diversity Board and the Goa State Pollution Control Board-were conducted after directions from the government itself. “This shows the government’s commitment to protecting the environment, biodiversity and the lake,” Sawant said.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that while a section of people are opposing the project, there is also significant local support for it. “100 people cannot define a village or a constituency,” he said while reiterating that the proposed Unity Mall site is located 465 metres away from Toyyar Lake, well outside the wetland buffer and zone of influence.
“The Unity Mall is outside the notified wetland area. No development is being carried out within the protected zone and all mandatory environmental clearances have been obtained,” Khaunte said, adding that nearly 300 metres between the lake and the project site is already occupied by private projects and bungalows, which did not face similar opposition.
Emphasising that the Unity Mall is not a private commercial venture, Khaunte said it is part of a national initiative to promote Swadeshi and the ‘Make in India’ programme, aligned with the ‘one district“one product’ concept. He said 38 Unity Malls are being developed across 27 states, including in states such as West Bengal.
The minister said the project is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs and benefit residents of Chimbel and Santa Cruz, particularly local youth. He clarified that there is no question of demolition of any residential houses. He also said that the project also include Ekta Stambh and Ekta Kund -- both first of its kind in India.
While moving the motion, MLA Fernandes said that the people have been misguided with regards to house demolition, ecology and environment.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded that the project be scrapped, claiming the site is a biodiversity hotspot that must be protected to safeguard local identity and livelihoods. GFP chief Vijai Sardesai criticised the government for ignoring a 17-day hunger strike by members of the ST community in Chimbel and sought clarity on protection of the declared wetland.
