‘Project coming up on government land’
Panaji: Stating that the government has already acquired land for the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh projects in Chimbel, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Monday said that he is, however, ready for a discussion with the villagers of Chimbel if they have any issue with the projects.
Speaking to media in Panaji, Sawant reiterated that Unity Mall is being constructed in Chimbel for the benefit of Goans, with one floor dedicated to women self-help groups and local entrepreneurs, providing them a platform to promote and sell their products.
“Government has obtained all the required permissions for the construction of Unity Mall. I don’t know why they are opposing now. If the locals have any issue in this matter, they can come to me and discuss,” he said.
Slamming the Opposition for opposing the project, the Chief Minister said “these people have never constructed such a big project, which will be beneficial to Goans”.
When pointed out about the project site, which is an ecologically sensitive Toyyar Lake wetland, Sawant said his government has identified and notified the biodiversity sites and added that these projects will not harm the lake. “While constructing the projects at this site in Chimbel, we are protecting the lake and biodiversity,” he said.
Sawant said that the Unity Mall project is fully funded by the central government and it is coming up on government land.
