PANJIM: The Goa government has almost zeroed in on land at Loliem in Canacona for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus even as it is examining the feasibility of two other sites in the taluka.
Of the three locations – two at Loliem-Polem and one at Poinguinim – sources said, the State is considering recommending the site inspection committee of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to inspect the one at Loliem to start the higher educational institute.
“The State panel has conducted a preliminary inspection of the three sites. It is presently examining all possibilities to ascertain which of these could be selected for the project though Loliem is on the top of the list,” a senior official said. The final decision on whether or not to have an IIT in the State will remain with the Centre after the inspection.
The State was refused permission to commence the first batch of IIT classes from the temporary campus at Goa Engineering College at Farmagudi this academic year after it failed to identify a site to set up a permanent IIT campus in the State.
The first site identified for the institute at Dhargal in Pernem was turned down by the MHRD as it did not meet the required minimum area. The ministry had intimated the Laxmikant Parsekar government that permission to start the new IIT will not be granted until adequate land has been identified.
The government subsequently identified two other properties at Betki-Khandola and Betul, following which the officials expanded their search to Canacona where the three sites were proposed. The MHRD requirement is for 500 acres of dispute-free land for the IIT, while the State is unable to meet the requirement. “However, some of these areas are close to 500 acres,” the official said.
Sources said the government is expediting the process to ensure a permanent land for IIT Goa is approved to begin the next academic year 2016-17.
