Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 9: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday defended the proposed IIT Goa campus, saying it is a project of “national interest” that will bring long-term benefits to the state and its students.

“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 told reporters.

Highlighting the educational advantages, the CM said, “In a state with 100% literacy, such a mentality should not exist. Currently, only 10–12 Goan students manage to enter IITs in states like Vellore and Chhattisgarh. Having a campus here will allow us to give priority to Goan students.”

However, the proposal has sparked strong opposition in Codar-Bethora, where residents at a public meeting raised concerns about destruction of cultivated land, trees, and wildlife. Environmentalists too cautioned against ecological damage. Locals have also complained that they were not consulted before the plan was moved forward.

The government intends to acquire 14.5 lakh sq. meters of land from the local Communidade for the project. Notably, earlier attempts to set up IIT campuses in Loliem-Canacona, Melauli-Sattari, and Cotarli-Sanguem were shelved due to public resistance, while sites at Rivona-Sanguem and Dharbandora were dropped over land acquisition hurdles.

Residents have now warned of large-scale protests if their concerns are ignored and are preparing a public awareness campaign along with a signature drive.