PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has defended the proposed IIT Goa project, calling it a national interest initiative that will benefit the state.
“Let people tell me why they are opposing a project like IIT. One should not oppose it just for the sake; we need to welcome it,” Sawant said while speaking to reporters today.
The CM stressed the educational benefits for Goan students. “In a state with 100% literacy, such a mentality should not exist. Currently, 10–12 students from Goa study at IITs in other states, including Vellore and Chhattisgarh. If we have an IIT campus in Goa, we can give priority to Goan students,” he added.
Residents of Codar-Bethora at a public meeting yesterday voiced strong opposition. They said they were not consulted and expressed concern that the project could destroy cultivated land, trees, and wildlife. Environmentalists were also present, highlighting ecological risks.
The government plans to acquire 14.5 lakh sq. meters of land from the local Communidade. Previous attempts to set up IIT campuses in Loliem-Canacona, Melauli-Sattari, and Cotarli-Sanguem faced strong public opposition, while sites at Rivona-Sanguem and Dharbandora were dropped due to land acquisition challenges.
Residents have warned of large-scale protests if the project proceeds without addressing their concerns, and are planning a public awareness campaign and signature drive.
