Chimbel Unity Mall Is a Swadeshi, Job-Oriented Project That Will Strengthen the Economy: Khaunte
Government Committed to Protecting Wetland Conservation Zone
Chief Minister Invites Protesters for Talks
Panaji, Jan 13 – Tourism Minister Rohan Ashok Khaunte assured the Goa Legislative Assembly today that the proposed Unity Mall project at Chimbel does not fall within any notified Wetland Conservation Zone, and that no development will take place in protected zones.
The issue was raised in the Assembly through a Calling Attention Motion by St. Cruz MLA Rodolf Fernandes. Responding to this, Khaunte stated that the wetland conservation authority has officially confirmed in writing that the Unity Mall project is outside the notified wetland conservation zone.
Khaunte said the government is fully committed to the protection of the wetland conservation zone and assured that all environmental norms and legal regulations will be strictly followed. Clarifying concerns about road widening and housing safety, he said that although the project is located near the proposed national highway, there is no plan to widen the highway.
Addressing concerns raised by local residents, including Scheduled Tribe communities, Khaunte said the government is sensitive to their issues. He emphasized that the Unity Mall project will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local people, making it a job-oriented development project.
He also clarified that no water will be taken from local lakes or reservoirs for the project. The required water supply will be provided by the Public Works Department, he assured.
Khaunte further stated that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has obtained all required permissions and approvals for the project, including clearance from the wetland conservation authority , the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and all other statutory authorities as per law.
He pointed out that 38 Unity Malls are being developed across 27 states under a central government initiative aimed at strengthening local economies. Questioning the opposition, Khaunte asked why such projects are welcomed in other states but opposed only in Goa.
Calling the Unity Mall a Prime Minister’s vision project, Khaunte said it will support artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and local producers, while strengthening the local economic structure. He added that Goa has received three major central projects, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum, the Porvorim Town Square, and the Unity Mall, all aimed at boosting the state’s economy and creating employment.
Referring to ongoing protests and hunger strikes against the project, Khaunte questioned whether the protesters had considered the future of their children. He said the same people accuse the government of failing to provide jobs, while opposing projects that generate employment.
Khaunte recalled that a proposed IT project at Chimbel was earlier cancelled after public opposition, as it would have created mainly skilled jobs. However, he clarified that the Unity Mall will generate both skilled and unskilled employment, benefiting a wider section of society.
He said the four-storey project will be spread over 20,800 square metres, with actual construction covering only 4,000 square metres. He also questioned why objections were not raised when private housing projects came up near the same area earlier.
Clarifying environmental norms, Khaunte stated that the impact zone is limited to 250 metres, and the Unity Mall project lies outside this regulated area.
He emphasized that the government is deeply concerned about the future of children, including those of the protesters. He said many people from St. Cruz want the project, telling him they want it for their children’s future. He added that this central government project is in the interest of tourism and the people of St. Cruz.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the government has already held discussions with local residents, who were brought by MLA Rodolf Fernandes. He added that the Speaker has invited the protesters for discussions tomorrow evening, and the government is ready to engage in dialogue.
The Chief Minister said the Biodiversity Committee Chairperson is fully aware of the facts and yet is participating in the protests. He assured that the government has made all efforts to conserve lakes and wetland conservation zone and remains committed to their protection.
He also said Chimbel village needs development and assured that the project will bring maximum benefits to local residents.
