PANAJI
A few days after former Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude voiced concern about delays in the Tribal Bhavan project, it has now emerged that the land chosen for the building, near Pundalik Nagar, is caught in a legal dispute. The foundation stone for the project was laid almost four years ago.
The 2,200-square-metre plot, located along the service road, had been set aside for the Rs 40-crore Tribal Bhavan, which was meant to house various tribal welfare offices. The land was provided by the Serula Comunidade and had received a no-objection certificate, but a third party has now come forward claiming ownership.
Officials said construction is on hold as the matter is being heard by the Mamlatdar and the Tribunal. “The file has been forwarded to the Advocate General for legal opinion, and no concrete decision on the next steps can be taken until the advice,” a source said.
CM Pramod Sawant had laid the foundation stone in August 2021 in Gaude’s presence. At that time, Gaude had said the project would be completed in two years. It was designed to include a hostel, library, wedding hall and commercial shops, and aimed to be self-sustaining through rental income.
“This project took three-and-a-half years to finalize. It will serve tribal students from remote areas like Canacona who struggle to find accommodation in Panaji,” Gaude had said then.
Speaking to The Goan about the delay, Gaude confirmed that a legal issue had stalled the work and called the situation ‘unfortunate’.
“Unfortunately, some people have filed an objection to this project and the matter is pending in Mamlatdar’s court and tribunal. As a result, construction work could not be started. Some people unnecessarily create obstacles in the development activities of the state. Unless and until the court matter is completed, the construction will not start,” he said.
The disputed land has now turned into a muddy water pond due to the rains. An automobile company is also using the space to park and unload new vehicles. A warning board reading ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted’ lies discarded, partly buried under debris.
