MAPUSA
The State government on Friday was forced to keep on hold the sale of land leased out to Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd at Sancoale after an united Opposition labelled it as the biggest “land scam” in Goa and demanded immediate halt on registering of sale deeds in the property.
The Opposition members questioned the government whether comunidade land leased out to a company for industrial purpose can be sold to a third party.
Several MLAs also opined that an ordinary Goan was made to run from pillar to post for change of zone while in this case the wheels of administration were moving at a break-neck speed.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant initially assured the members that the government will seek legal opinion and within a month take action in the matter.
But sensing the mood of the House, Sawant later agreed to stop registration of sale deeds in the property.
“The government will keep on hold registering of sale deeds,” Sawant said, amidst the Opposition din demanding immediate stop of sale of Zuari land.
Zuari Agro Chemicals, the agriculture vertical of the Adventz Group, had sold its fertiliser plant and associated businesses at Zaurinagar to the group’s joint venture Paradeep Phosphates Ltd last year.
Raising the issue during the Question Hour, Michael Lobo said the land in question was leased out for 99 years by Sancoale comunidade to Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd for industrial purpose so that unemployed youth in Goa could get jobs.
“Can Zuari Agro sell or transfer the land to a third party? This is the biggest land scam in Goa. What action will the State government initiate,” Lobo asked.
Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai said the land which was obtained for industrial purpose was now being made into plots and sold for housing purpose.
He said already around 35 sale deeds have been registered so far.
“As per law you cannot change the use of land. This is a big scam of Rs 50,000 crore. Please keep the sale of land on hold,” Sardesai appealed.
Earlier trying to placate the agitated members, Revenue Minister, Anatasio (Babush) Monserrate said the Collector has been directed not to issue sanads in the case.
“In the meanwhile we are looking into the issue in detail. We have contacted an eminent lawyer well-versed with comunidade law. Once we get the report we will take action as per the law,” Monserrate said.
According to Lobo, stopping issuing of sanads was not enough but the Collector should direct the sub-registrar not to register sale deeds in the property.
Sawant informed the House that some years back Zuari Agro had sold part of the same land to the government.
“We are also concerned about the 50 lakh sq mts of land. We will cancel all the sale deeds once we get a legal opinion in the matter,” he said.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, Mormugao MLA, Sankalp Amonkar, Curtorim MLA, Aleixo Reginaldo also expressed concern over the sale of land by the Zuari Agro.
