PANAJI
Adamant to set up the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Sanguem, Cabinet Minister Subhash Phaldessai has proposed the State government acquire an extended area of land, located adjacent to the existing site, for the project.
The minister, who also represents the Sanguem assembly constituency, claimed that owners of the proposed additional land have agreed to sell their property though the government has offered a low price.
“I have requested the government that land, adjacent to the existing site, could be acquired to complete the project. This part of the land will be ‘usable’ and do not fall under green cover or hilly terrain. We are in talks with the land owners and they have agreed to our proposal,” he told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.
The minister was reacting to queries on the Centre’s refusal to go ahead with the 7.2 lakh sqm of land in Sanguem citing the area as ‘inadequate’ since a massive portion of the green cover will be left untouched for civil works. An inspection report to the Central government had maintained that only up to 3.2 lakh sqm of land can be used for the construction while the remaining area consists of a hillock and is not ideal for the project.
The existing identified land has been in controversy in the wake of relentless opposition from the villagers who claim their ownership. Phaldessai rubbished their argument asking the protestors to submit ownership documents. “Don’t give media bytes. If you are the owner of the land, get your title documents… Prove your right over the land… The project will be in Sanguem come what may,” he said while also daring the supposed rightful owners of the land to approach the Court.
The Sanguem legislator also denied allegations that protests were the reason for the Centre’s refusal to accept the land for IIT.
