Panjim, August 29 — The BJP-led government in Goa is under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that they are aggressively pursuing the acquisition of approximately 10-15 lakh square meters of land, ostensibly to gift to the Central Government for the establishment of an IIT project. This move, according to critics, would place an enormous burden of ₹60 crore on the state treasury and lead to the destruction of Goa’s rich environment and green cover.
In a press conference held at the GPCC house in Panjim, Goa Congress Media Cell Chairman Amarnath Panjikar expressed shock over the government’s actions. “It is appalling that the government has not even prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) before identifying the land at Rivona, which was shown to the Site Selection Committee of the Government of India. There has been no effort to study the potential impact on the environment, green cover, and demography of Goa,” Panjikar said.
The Goa Congress is raising serious concerns about the vested interests of senior ministers involved in the land acquisition process. Panjikar highlighted that the entire procedure appears to be rushed, with scant regard for the long-term environmental and social consequences.
The Congress leader also hinted at further controversies, stating, “We will soon expose the proposal of the Government on the Film City, which is also being pushed due to vested interests of certain individuals close to the BJP. We will oppose both the IIT and Film City projects unless the government prepares DPRs, conducts Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and considers using alternative barren lands that were previously allotted for projects like Nylon-66 and SEZ.”
Youth Congress leader Saeesh Aroskar and State Social Media Coordinator of Sevadal Amol Dharwadkar, who were present at the press conference, echoed Panjikar’s sentiments, vowing to continue their opposition until the government addresses these concerns responsibly.
The BJP government has yet to respond to these allegations, but the growing dissent suggests that this issue will remain a focal point of political and public debate in Goa. As the situation develops, the potential environmental impact and the financial implications for the state are expected to be at the forefront of discussions.