PANAJI
In a surprising decision, the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPB) has withdrawn the in-principle approval given to 17 projects in its board meeting on Friday. All these projects belong to hospitality sector.
When asked the reason behind the withdrawal of in-principle approval, a source informed, "IPB took legal opinion and based on that it has decided that Section 8 of the Goa Investment Promotion Act does not give it power to grant permission in coastal regulation zone (CRZ) areas except for foreshore facilities."
The Section 8 of Goa Investment Promotion Act prohibits IPB from recommending certain kinds of land for purpose of setting up of projects. One of these categories is "Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) areas except where the foreshore facilities are required."
Given that the Act in the first place didn't allow IPB to give in-principle approval to projects in CRZ areas, it is strange that IPB gave approvals to these 17 projects under the previous state government.
Of the projects which have seen their in-principle approval getting withdrawn, two are marina projects and another is Mini India Park. All these projects were very controversial, as sections of society had raised objections to them when they were approved.
The in-principle nod to Yatch Heaven (Goa)'s project to set up marina in Zuari River in Sancoale and to Kargwal Construction's marina project in north bank of Zuari River near Nauxim village stands withdrawn as a result of IPB's decision.
Similarly, Movaj Enterprises has also seen in-principle approval to its Mini India Park getting withdrawn at the board meeting.
At this stage, it is not clear whether withdrawal of in-principle approval means cancellation of approval. A source informed that these 17 proposals have now been sent to the state government. After the government takes a decision, the same will be informed to the project proponent.
Another project which saw its in-principle approval getting withdrawn was Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)'s ropeway project between Panaji and Reis Magos. This was GTDC's ambitious project, which would have required Rs 100 crore of investment and would have created 700 jobs.
15 of these 17 projects did not see any progress in terms of either construction or approvals from other departments since getting IPB's in-principle nod. However, in one case of Chaksu Properties hotel project in Morjim, it is reported that the construction had begun. Moreover, GCZMA (Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority) and MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) had also granted approvals to this project.
In case of Aswem Beach Resort's hotel project at Mandrem, IPB had already revoked permission.
Other important projects, which were earlier approved but now their in-principle approval has been withdrawn, include West Coast Hotels project in Carmona, Spark Healthline's floating jetty in Mandovi bay area, Saint Michael Estates hospitality project in Cavelossim etc.
Meanwhile, IPB formally appointed KPMG as its satellite consultant. A team of KPMG consultants will be present in Goa for project evaluation for IPB.
In the board meeting, IPB also gave in-principle approval to 7 new projects. Of these two are hospital projects, two are pharma projects and three are manufacturing projects.
Dhavalikar Hospitals & Hospitality's hospital project at Borda in Margao got IPB's nod. The other hospital project to get permission was Sand Emergency Medical Supplies proposal at Corlim. In pharma sector, Atlantis Pharmaceuticals and Mepra Medicaments got their proposals approved by IPB.
