Panaji: Describing local opposition to the IIT Goa campus, double-tracking of rail lines, and other government-backed projects as a tragedy, PWD minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday said that he is worried about the survival of Goa's economy.
Goa's small size makes it difficult for the government to raise taxes, which in turn makes revenue generation for capital expenditure difficult, said Kamat while speaking at the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) conclave on sustainable construction practices.
"Development has to be balanced but wherever development is there, there will be some damage to the environment. Here, IIT is also being opposed. In the education sector also there is resistance. Real estate development is being opposed. People are agitating and opposing projects. And if that is the case, how will the economy survive," he said.
While urging the real estate sector to "convince the people that development is for good," he also said that citizens need to introspect and decide about Goa's future.
"What do they want? Do they want to remain as it is with no development? There were people who were opposing BITS Pilani. This is the tragedy today," said Kamat. "I think it is high time now, otherwise people will not invest in Goa. If everything is being opposed there, who will come to invest in Goa?"
Green Building Initiatives in Goa
Kula Sekhar Kantipudi, the chairman of the IGBC Goa chapter, said that by integrating energy-efficient designs like water conservation systems, renewable energy, and sustainable construction practices, developers can ensure that Goa continues to grow while preserving its natural ecosystem.
Kantipudi said that 88 projects have been registered under IGBC in Goa, covering a green building footprint of about 9.96 million square feet. Of these, 27 have already been completed and green certification has been obtained. While 51 green projects are commercial, residential complexes account for 30 projects, while industrial and logistics projects are four. Goa also has four net-zero projects.
Call for Balanced Development
The minister's remarks come amid growing resistance to large-scale infrastructure projects in the state. Kamat emphasized the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging that development inevitably causes some environmental damage but warning that complete opposition could stifle economic growth.
He urged stakeholders to engage with the public to highlight the long-term benefits of projects like the IIT campus and railway upgrades, which are crucial for Goa's economic future.
