PANJIM: Restricting the powers of the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to that of a facilitator for investment proposals in restricted areas like Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the State Government has directed the Board to dispose all applications, pending before it, in those areas within seven days.
The IPB, chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has already revoked in-principle approvals granted to 24 projects in restricted areas, with total investment of Rs 2986.19 crore. These projects include Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) ambitious Panjim- Reis Magos ropeway, two marina projects proposed at Sancoale and one at Nauxi and the Mini India Park proposed at Quelossim, amongst others.
In an order issued in the name of the Governor on May 21, the government stated that the Board shall act as a single window for projects proposals received by them for projects covered under Section 8 of the Goa Investment Promotion Act, 2014.
“However, the role of the Board shall be limited to that of a facilitator in obtaining requisite clearances and approvals from the Central Government, State Government departments and other agencies,” the order stated.
“However, in terms of Section 8 of the Act, the Board shall not recommend cases for setting up of projects or for investment promotion in the areas mentioned therein,” the order further stated.
Under Section 8 of the Act, restrictions are imposed in the Board, wherein it cannot recommend setting up projects on khazan land and low-lying paddy fields, sloping land with a gradient of more than 25 percent, forest lands and wild life areas, Coastal Regulatory Zone areas except where the foreshore facilities are required and tenanted agricultural land except for agricultural activities carried out by tenant/deemed purchaser.
Projects on such lands are to be permitted subject to the approval by the relevant authorities under the relevant laws. “Hence, the Board shall within seven days from the receipt of the orders of the competent authority either sanctioning or rejecting the clearances, as the case may be forward the same to the applicant which shall result into disposal of the application,” the order stated.
