Goa NGO Alleges Illegal Land Transfer to Private Firm, Demands Vigilance Inquiry
The United Goans Foundation (UGF), a prominent non-governmental organization based in Goa, has formally lodged a complaint with state authorities, alleging that operational rights over approximately 6,500 square meters of reclaimed riverine land have been illegally handed over to a private entity. In a letter addressed to the chief secretary and the North Goa collector, the NGO has called for an independent vigilance inquiry into the land transactions, immediate demarcation of government land, and recovery of all fees that were allegedly collected illegally.
Allegations of Collusion and Illegal Transfer
In the detailed complaint, UGF asserts that the department of tourism and the Captain of Ports (CoP) have colluded to "illegally transfer operational control" of riverine land at the Santa Monica Jetty in Panaji. According to the NGO, this land rightfully belongs to the revenue department, raising serious concerns about procedural violations and potential misuse of public assets.
When contacted for a response, officials from the department of tourism and CoP declined to comment at this stage, stating they did not wish to address the allegations publicly. This lack of immediate clarification has fueled further speculation and urgency around the issue.
Focus on the 2021 Leave and Licence Agreement
The complaint centers on a leave and licence agreement signed in July 2021 between the tourism department and Shanta Infratech Pvt Ltd. This agreement pertains to the operation and maintenance of the Santa Monica Jetty Terminal Building and open jetty areas. However, UGF highlights that the deal extends beyond these facilities to include significant land transfers.
More critically, the NGO alleges that around 6,500 sqm of reclaimed land adjacent to Survey No. 46/10 is being illegally transferred to the private firm. This land was created during the construction of the Atal Setu bridge, adding a layer of complexity regarding its ownership and usage rights.
Additional Concerns Over Parking Space Inclusion
Dominic Noronha, an executive member of UGF, provided further details, noting that the leave and licence agreement also allegedly included 9,140 square meters of parking space developed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). Notably, GTDC was not made a party to this agreement, raising questions about the transparency and legality of the entire process.
The NGO's demands are clear and specific:
- An independent vigilance inquiry into all land transactions involved.
- Immediate demarcation of government land within Survey No. 46/10 to prevent further encroachment or misuse.
- Recovery of all fees that have been illegally collected in connection with this land transfer.
This case underscores ongoing tensions between public interest and private development in Goa, with UGF positioning itself as a watchdog against alleged governmental overreach and corruption. The outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how reclaimed and riverine lands are managed in the state, impacting future infrastructure and tourism projects.
