PANAJI
The Goa government’s decision to reconsider the proposed Unity Mall project in the wake of sustained and widespread public protests is far from an isolated development in the State’s political and administrative history. Over the years, successive governments in Goa have repeatedly found themselves grappling with intense public opposition to major projects spanning sectors such as information technology, education, aviation and tourism. While some of these initiatives were eventually shelved or substantially altered under pressure from citizens’ movements, others were pushed through despite prolonged agitations and strong resistance on the ground.
This pattern of public pushback dates nearly two decades back, most notably between 2006 and 2008, when the government was compelled to scrap ambitious projects such as the IT Habitat and several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) following fierce protests. Not to forget the infamous Konkan Railway agitation in 1990 followed by Nylon 66 in 1994.
More recently, too, public opposition has led to the cancellation or reconsideration of projects like the proposed IIT campus and components of the Prasad tourism scheme. At the same time, there have been several high-profile infrastructure projects- including the Manohar International Airport at Mopa and the double-tracking of the South Western Railway line -which the government pursued to commission or on the verge of completion, notwithstanding sustained protests and environmental concerns.
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PEOPLE’S PROTEST THAT FORCED GOVT TO CANCEL/RELOCATE PROJECTS
Permanent campus for Goa IIT
Nearly a decade after its establishment in July 2016, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa continues to function from a temporary campus at Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi. Successive BJP-led governments have struggled to identify land for a permanent campus, with proposed sites in Canacona, Sattari, Sanguem and Ponda failing due to local protests or land acquisition issues. Most recently, a site at Codar village in Ponda was dropped last year following strong opposition from villagers
Prasad scheme at Old Goa
Construction under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme at Old Goa has been temporarily halted following directives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and mounting public protest. The GTDC-led project aimed to create visitor amenities such as parking, an information centre and monument lighting. Opposition intensified after excavation work unearthed Portuguese-era cannonballs, triggering concerns from heritage activists, the Save Old Goa Action Committee and Church authorities over environmental damage, tree felling and violations of heritage norms.
IT habitat
The ambitious Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat project at Dona Paula has remained in limbo for 18 years. Launched in 2006 by the Congress-led government and inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi, the project was stalled in December 2007 following violent protests and allegations of land scams. Around 2.85 lakh sq m of land was earmarked and 18 plots allotted, but the government later cancelled the allocations and refunded nearly ₹140 crore. A BJP government proposal in 2015 to relocate the project to Chimbel also failed to materialise.
Special Economic Zone
The SEZ Policy introduced in 2006 by the Congress government to attract investment led to the allocation of over 38 lakh sqm of land to seven promoters. However, massive statewide opposition forced the government to scrap the policy in 2008. A formal cancellation order was issued on June 24, 2008, and the land was subsequently reclaimed.
PROJECTS THAT WENT AHEAD DESPITE PUBLIC OUTCRY
Manohar International Airport, Mopa
Commissioned in January 2023, the second airport faced stiff resistance from farmers, South Goa residents and environmental groups. Concerns ranged from land acquisition and forest loss to fears that Dabolim airport would be sidelined. Citing capacity constraints and rising tourist inflow, the government went ahead with the PPP project, assuring continued operations at both airports.
Second bridge over River Zuari
Despite protests over land acquisition and impacts on khazan lands and CRZ areas, the second bridge over the Zuari was completed. One lane was inaugurated in December 2022, significantly easing north“south traffic congestion.
Double tracking of SWR line
Opposed for its perceived role in facilitating coal transportation and its impact on the Western Ghats and Mollem protected areas, the project faced legal and environmental challenges. While the Supreme Court halted work on a 34.5-km forest stretch pending a fresh EIA, the Railways commissioned the 312-km Hospet“Vasco section in September last year. A revised EIA for the remaining protected stretch is underway.
Bhoma national highway expansion
Villagers in Bhoma continue to oppose the NH widening project, demanding a bypass to protect homes, temples and cultural heritage. However, the government remains firm on the existing alignment despite ongoing protests.
