PANAJI
In a major setback to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa SEAC) has declined to grant prior environmental clearance to its proposed PM Ekta Mall, also known as Unity Mall.
During its recent meeting, Goa SEAC observed that the project drawings lack approval from the Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) through the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA), as the project is proposed in Chimbel planning area.
The SEAC, while declining to grant prior EC, has directed GTDC to submit the approved project drawing plans from the concerned authorities.
The GTDC has proposed to build Rs 132 crore Unity Mall on 12,000sqm at Chimbel under Central government’s scheme to promote One District One Product (ODOP) items. The Union Ministry for Commerce and Industries has in-principle agreed to allocate Rs 100 crore for the project.
The project will have outdoor exhibition areas, a children’s play area and an amphitheatre aside from conference rooms. Government intends to put on sale every state’s product at the Unity Mall.
The concept of Unity Mall was announced by the Union finance minister in the Budget speech of 2023-24. The proposal initially planned in Merces, was later shifted to Chimbel village.
As per the proposal, Unity Mall will have 36 stalls, each being allotted to different states and Union territories so that rural artisans can sell local handicrafts, traditional food items and cultural wares.
Retail facilities such as food court, public conveniences, galleries and recreational spaces will come up in the four storey structure. It will also include underground parking facilities. The project will also have event spaces for galleries and exhibitions.
Under One District One Product, Goa has identified cashew nut as the product for North Goa and feni for South Goa.
For the project, the District Rural Development Agency gave up 10,000 sqm of land at Chimbel which was then transferred to the tourism department for the Unity Mall. However, the locals have strongly objected to the plan.
