PANJIM: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPB) granted permission to Spark Healthline Pvt Ltd to develop 31,000 square metres of the total 65,000 square metres purchased by them for five-star and four-star hotels in Reis Magos, bypassing designated authorities.
Addressing a press conference, GPCC vice presidents Tulio D’Souza and Sunil Kawthankar stated that as per the Regional Plan, the area is designated as a no-development zone due to its over 25 per cent gradient and proximity to a naval base, historical fort, and water bodies.
They also accused DLF Exclusive Floors Pvt Ltd of illegal hill cutting in the area.
The Congress demanded the resignation of the Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane for unrestrained selling of Goa.
It said the land was eco-sensitive area and undevelopable slope. The government had given 60 per cent relaxation in FAR so that the developer can use 58,000 square metres and further relaxation to change the zone to 90 per cent settlement and 10 per cent commercial.
The party said that supply of electricity for the proposed requirement was 750 KVA and drinking raw water supply for the project was 10 million litres per day. How can the government meet these requirements when the people of Saligao were facing water scarcity and power shortage?
D’Souza warned that the villagers of Reis Magos will come to the streets if both the starred hotel projects were not scrapped.
Reis Magos panchayat member Virendra Shirodkar said that he will raise this issue during the fortnightly panchayat meeting and demand to revoke the permissions granted to the projects.
