Goa Government Initiates Search for New Unity Mall Location
In a significant development, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced on Tuesday that the state government has officially commenced the process of identifying a new site for the construction of the Unity Mall. This decision follows the recent scrapping of the project at its originally planned location in Chimbel, which was met with considerable local opposition and political scrutiny.
Political Opposition and Calls for Inquiry
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has been vocal in his criticism of the Unity Mall project, alleging hidden illegalities and demanding a thorough inquiry into the construction license issued by the block development office and the directorate of panchayat. Viegas has specifically called upon Tourism Minister Khaunte to present before the House the cabinet decision, government order, or official file that authorized the relocation of the Unity Mall.
"When a new area is finalized for the mall and it is placed before the cabinet, then all the issues raised by Venzy will be taken care of," stated Minister Khaunte in response to the allegations. He emphasized that the government has taken administrative steps to begin the site identification process, questioning the political motives behind the continued opposition. "Administratively, we took a decision and started work on identifying new sites. What else do you want? Now you want to do politics again?" Khaunte remarked pointedly.
Administrative and Cabinet Decisions Clarified
Minister Khaunte further clarified the procedural aspects of the Unity Mall project, explaining that while the identification of a new site is an administrative decision, the final selection of land will require cabinet approval. "When the Unity Mall goes to a new place, it will be an administrative decision, and the land identified will be a cabinet decision," he stated, outlining the dual-layer decision-making process involved in the project's relocation.
Community Sentiments and Financial Implications
The decision to abandon the Unity Mall project at Chimbel was not taken lightly. Minister Khaunte revealed that it was primarily influenced by the need to respect the emotions and sentiments of the local community, which had expressed strong reservations about the development. This move underscores the government's commitment to balancing infrastructure development with community welfare.
In terms of financial impact, Khaunte disclosed that a total of Rs 7.1 crore has already been disbursed towards the Unity Mall project. Additionally, a claim of Rs 11.6 lakh submitted by the project consultant is currently under review and has not yet been released. These figures highlight the substantial investment made in the project prior to its relocation, raising questions about cost management and future budgetary allocations.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Unity Mall
As the government moves forward with the site identification process, several key steps remain:
- Conducting feasibility studies for potential new locations
- Engaging with local communities to ensure transparency and address concerns
- Presenting the final site proposal to the cabinet for approval
- Reviewing and potentially adjusting the project budget based on the new location
The Unity Mall project continues to be a focal point of political debate in Goa, with Minister Khaunte's announcements marking a pivotal moment in its troubled history. The coming weeks are expected to bring further clarity on the new site selection and the government's strategy to navigate the complex interplay of administrative decisions, political opposition, and community interests.
