GTDC seeks clearance for 587-room hotel at Miramar
PANAJI
Ten years after a similar plan failed, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has again proposed to redevelop its Miramar Residency into a five-star hotel through a private company. The Miramar Residency, which covers 20,000 square metres, currently has about 60 rooms along with dining and other facilities.
In its proposal to the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa-SEAC) for prior Environmental Clearance (EC), the GTDC has suggested building a hotel with 587 guest rooms, a restaurant, banquet hall, conference and meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and a swimming pool.
At its meeting held last month, the SEAC referred the proposal to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) for granting prior EC to the project.
GTDC had made a similar attempt in 2014, but the plan did not go ahead after some important documents related to the Miramar property—needed for mutation—went missing. At that time, GTDC had signed a concession agreement with Shree Naman Resorts Goa Pvt Ltd to develop the project.
The SEAC has asked GTDC to ensure that the planned built-up area of 74,087.72 square metres follows the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms of the local body and planning authority. Once EC is granted, GTDC must get all other required permissions from the relevant authorities such as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Forest Department, and the State Pollution Control Board.
The project team must monitor air, water and noise pollution, and set up the required monitoring stations. The authority has stated that no trees should be cut unless absolutely necessary.
