Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 14: Amid mounting opposition demands to scrap the proposed Unity Mall project, the Goa government on Tuesday strongly defended the initiative, asserting that it lies outside the wetland zone, has received all statutory clearances, and is intended to boost the local economy and employment. The government, however, agreed to hold dialogue with residents of Chimbel who are protesting against the project.

Responding during a Calling Attention motion moved by St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly to facilitate talks with the protesting villagers. He proposed a meeting at 4 pm on Wednesday to address concerns through dialogue and democratic engagement.

At the same time, the chief minister questioned what he termed a “selective mentality” of opposing only government projects while remaining silent on private developments near Toyyar Lake. “There is a tendency to oppose every government project, while no questions are raised when private residential projects come up. This mentality needs to change,” Sawant said.

He also pointed out that studies and reports cited by villagers — conducted by agencies such as the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa State Biodiversity Board and Goa State Pollution Control Board — were carried out following directions from the state government itself. “This reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the environment, biodiversity and the lake,” Sawant added.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that while a section of people is opposing the project, there is also considerable local support. “One hundred people cannot define a village or a constituency,” he remarked, reiterating that the Unity Mall site is located about 465 metres away from Toyyar Lake, well outside the wetland buffer and zone of influence.

“The Unity Mall is outside the notified wetland area. No development is being carried out within the protected zone and all mandatory environmental clearances have been obtained,” Khaunte said. He added that nearly 300 metres between the lake and the project site is already occupied by private projects and bungalows, which did not face similar opposition.

Emphasising that the Unity Mall is not a private commercial venture, the minister said it is part of a national initiative to promote Swadeshi and the ‘Make in India’ programme under the ‘one district–one product’ concept. He noted that 38 Unity Malls are being developed across 27 states, including West Bengal.

Khaunte said the project is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs and benefit residents of Chimbel and Santa Cruz, particularly local youth. He clarified that there is no proposal to demolish any residential houses and added that the project would also include Ekta Stambh and Ekta Kund, both claimed to be first-of-their-kind initiatives in the country.

While moving the motion, MLA Rudolf Fernandes said people had been misled regarding issues of house demolition, ecology and the environment. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded that the project be scrapped, claiming the site is a biodiversity hotspot that must be protected to safeguard local identity and livelihoods. Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai criticised the government for ignoring a 17-day hunger strike by members of the Scheduled Tribe community in Chimbel and sought clarity on protection of the declared wetland.