In a major submission on the Floor of the House on Thursday, Industries Minister Mahadev Naik said that the proposed Rs 700 crore marina projects at Nauxi and Sancoale will not damage the environment and will also not affect the local population, including ramponkars and residents of the coastal belt.

“In fact, the project proposals will encourage the tourism infrastructure facilities besides giving employment and investment potential in the State of Goa,” the Minister said in a written reply tabled by Unattached St Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate.

As per the information tabled in the Assembly, the project will generate employment to 450 people. The project proponents are asked to undertake Environment Impact Assessment study of the project.

Earlier, in another question raised by Independent MLA Naresh Sawal, the Minister said that the  Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board has only granted in-principle approval to these projects with a condition to seek necessary approvals from the concern authorities. “The concerned authorities like Goa State Pollution control Board, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and others are yet to decide on these projects proposals. They have to also examine all the complaints received against the proposals and settle it down,” he said.

Further, Naik said the government is in the process of setting up Industrial Investment Areas, wherein those projects whose lands will have to be converted from the orchard or agricultural land to non agricultural land.