PANAJI
The Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, an ambitious project proposed at Dona Paula, which was stalled following a massive protest, is all set for revival almost after 18 years.
The State government has shortlisted around two-three locations for its revival, as a Convention Centre is coming up at the old Dona Paula site.
The dream project of then Congress led government was formally inaugurated by Congress President, Sonia Gandhi in 2006. Thereafter, due to violent protests, work was stopped in December 2007. Altogether 2,85,296 sq mt of land at the Dona Paula plateau was earmarked for the IT Habitat and around 18 plots were allotted.
Speaking to The Goan, Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the government has already initiated a process to revive the IT Habitat project. “Ultimately IT is an industry and while encouraging all types of eco-friendly industries to come, we are going to make a pitch for the IT industry to set up shops in Goa. For that purpose, it is important that we have an IT Habitat,” he said.
Godinho said that two-three places are under consideration of the government and a required feasibility study is being undertaken. “At Dona Paula, the government has already proposed a Convention Centre. So, we have to go to a new place,” he said adding ‘whatever happened (violent protest) is a thing of the past and we need to work to promote IT sector’.
In 2015, the BJP led government mooted a plan to relocate the project to 4.5 lakh sq m of government land near the electricity department’s sub-station on Kadamba plateau, within the precincts of Chimbel village. However, that did not take shape.
The project, for which foundation was laid with much fanfare, was plagued by land scam allegations as well as opposition from locals. Incumbent Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate and his family was at the forefront of the protest, which took ugly violent turn later.
The government enacted the Goa Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat “ Cancellation/ Abolition and Regulation of Allotment of Plots Act and cancelled the allotted plots, and refunded around Rs 140 crore to the companies which were allotted plots in 2006-07.
