Team Herald
PANJIM: As protests over the land handed over for the proposed IIT-Goa intensifies, the State Cabinet, in an effort to close the issue, resolved to drop 45,000 sq mtrs of land that has an age-old temple, from the upcoming project site, spread across 10 lakh sq mtrs area.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
This was announced by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant after the cabinet meeting. He said that another plot of land of the same size in the area has been identified to be handed over to IIT as compensation for the lost land.
“45,000 sq mts land has been reverted back to the temple and for carrying out religious activities. Another parcel of 45,000 mts land from the same area will be given to the IIT. This should help assuage the feelings of the local residents who are protesting,” Sawant said, while maintaining that the temple is currently located on government land.
“The entire land belongs to the government. But still, we are ready to permanently hand over 45,000 sq mtrs of land for temple and other religious activities. Have asked MLA and Minister Vishwajit Rane to look into the proposal,” Sawant said in the presence of Rane.
The Chief Minister said that the decision has been taken in the interest of the villagers. “I feel that all the issues have come to an end. I would request the villagers not to protest but support the government decision in the larger interest of the State,” he said.
The Goa government had formally transferred 10 lakh sq mts of land in and around Guleli village for setting up IIT-Goa.
Villagers from Guleli and other adjoining villages, however, claim that their land, on which they undertake agriculture activities, has been handed over to IIT, without their consent.
