PANAJI
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) plan to build Rs 132-crore Unity Mall at Chimbel ” a four-storey complex meant to showcase One District One Product (ODOP) items from across India ” has become one of the State’s most contentious development proposals.
Conceived under the Central government’s Pradhan Mantri Ekta Mall initiative, the project includes 36 dedicated stalls for States and Union Territories, to enable rural artisans to sell handicrafts, traditional foods and cultural products. The structure will also include a food court, public conveniences, galleries, recreational spaces, and underground parking, along with outdoor exhibition areas, a children’s play zone and an amphitheatre.
While the Centre agreed in principle to fund Rs 100 crore, and the government claims the Mall will create jobs and boost artisans, the project faces fierce resistance from Chimbel villagers who argue that the chosen site, comprising 10,000 sqm, was transferred from the District Rural Development Agency to the Tourism Department.
“The Unity Mall, envisioned under the Pradhan Mantri Ekta Mall programme, is expected to emerge as a major socio-economic catalyst for Chimbel and the surrounding areas. The Mall would generate meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for residents, contributing to livelihood enhancement, financial independence and overall economic growth,” the proposal for the project stated.
