PANJIM: The controversial Mala commercial project, which had been lying idle for over a decade, has finally been scrapped by the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA).
The Gujarat-based Kanaka Infratech Limited that was awarded the project for a period of 60 years has moved the High Court of Bombay at Goa against the decision though NGPDA has volunteered to repay the full amount with interest.
Emerging from a meeting at its office on Thursday, NGPDA Chairman Michael Lobo said that the two-week old decision was forwarded to Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni for legal opinion. “The project is not viable and neither in the interest of either Panjim residents or the State. The AG has been approached for legal opinion,” he said.
While the matter is being studied by the AG, the High Court has directed the government to appoint an arbitrator. “The arbitration will begin in the next one week. We will fast-track it. If there is an agreement between both parties, the court will not come into the picture. If not, then we are still ready to fight a legal battle,” he said in the presence of Panjim legislator Siddharth Kuncalienkar and Panjim Mayor Shubam Chodankar, who nodded in agreement.
The chairman said the decision came after taking cognizance of the people opposing the loss-making project. Hundreds of people opposing the project consisting of beautification of the lake and completion of a market complex in the area, had alleged it will fetch the government only a pittance in lieu of an offer of 44,800 square metres of prime area on an annual lease premium rent of 1 per square metre .
NGPDA had entered into an agreement with the Gujarat-based company to redevelop and beautify the Mala area. The development had included building a 100-room hotel, recreational areas, air-conditioned shopping complexes and development of the lake.
Lobo said the building, wis sinking and as such it is not possible to upgrade it
Kuncalienkar seconded this opinion arguing that the previous government was ‘disconnected’ with the people of Goa. The lease signed with the bidder was for 30 years, which was extended by another 30 years by the then Congress-led coalition.
“We want a satellite market which will not only lessen the burden on the existing Panjim market, but will also be useful to the people living on the outskirts of the capital. We do not want to change the look of Panjim through such unviable projects (referring to the scrapped project),” he added.
With the property still in possession of the government, Lobo said it will ensure development-cum-beautification.
