PANJIM: In a major decision, the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) on Friday withdrew in-principle approvals granted to 17 investment proposals including the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) ambitious ropeway project from Panjim-Regis Magos, falling under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas. The Board has decided not to grant any more permission to projects in CRZ. 

The proposals also include controversial two marina project proposed at Sancoale in Mormugao by M/s Yacht Heaven Pvt Ltd and one at Nauxi village in North - the projects that witnessed large scale opposition from the locals as well the public representatives.

The proposals also includes the controversial Marina Project proposed at Sancoale in Mormugao by M/s Yacht Heaven Pvt Ltd, that witnessed large-scale opposition from locals as well the public representatives. 

Moreover, the Mini India Park proposed at Quelossim, which was initially rejected by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), has also faced the setback. 

The 17 proposals will now have to be mooted through Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce to the State Government for decision. 

The IPB held its meeting on Friday afternoon under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, wherein the decision was taken to withdraw in-principle approvals granted to all those projects falling within CRZ. 

 The projects were granted in-principle approval by the Board and had recommended that the CRZ area - falling within 200-500 meters of high tide line (HTL)- to be declared as Investment Promotion Areas. 

Following the legal opinion, the Board decided that the Section 8 of the Goa Investment Promotion Act 2014 does not empower the Board to grant permissions in CRZ areas, sources said, who confirmed that no more permission would be granted by the Board to projects proposed in CRZ areas.

Sources said the State government would now take a call on all the 17 proposals and the decisions would be communicated to the project proponents accordingly and added that henceforth, any project proposed in CRZ areas will be dealt by the government.

The other projects include nine five-star and eco-resorts and floating jetty in river Mandovi. 

IPB was facing flak from activities for allowing rampant destruction of environment in the name of investment and development. Several of its projects are currently facing legal battle before High Court. Till date IPB has granted in-principle approvals to nearly 160 projects. 

Of which, government has handed over 13 projects with a total investment of Rs 1308.42 crores, approved by IPB to Satellite Consultant for examination.