NT Reporter
Panaji
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte strongly defended the Unity Mall project, stating that the site falls beyond the boundary of the wetland conservation zone.
Khaunte was responding to a calling attention raised by Santa Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes. The discussion witnessed unruly scenes with the opposition rushing to the well of the House shouting slogans after which the House was adjourned for 10 minutes.
He said it is being constructed 465m away from Toyyar Lake.
“No development activity is proposed or being undertaken within the protected wetland area. The Wetland Conservation Authority has confirmed that the project site falls beyond the notified conservation boundary,” he said.
Khaunte said the project is located along an existing four-lane national highway and that there is no proposal for road widening nor demolition of residential structures. The project will generate direct employment opportunities as well as indirect and ancillary activities, he said.
The water requirements, he said, will be met through government supply, adding that all approvals have been obtained.
St Andre RGP MLA Viresh Borkar said Toyyar Lake is a biodiversity hotspot and a notified wetland. “Let the government take the project elsewhere,” Borkar said.
“At the same location where the Unity Mall
and Prashasan Stambh are proposed, an IT park was earlier planned and later scrapped. Then why is this project being started?” said Fatorda GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said people resort to hunger strikes when doors are closed and voices are ignored.
