PANAJI
The State government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Site Selection Committee of the Government of India has given its nod for the Rivona site for setting up IIT-Goa campus, provided the former ensures proper connectivity and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) relaxation.
“Committee has recommended that the proposed land is suitable for setting up of permanent campus of IIT-Goa, subject to the State government providing proper connectivity with approach roads, power and water supply, permitting change of land zone and relaxation of FAR,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in response to a starred question tabled by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
Sawant, who also holds the Education portfolio, added that the Revenue Department is currently verifying the title documents for the identified land.
“Government will ensure that sufficient safeguards are adopted to minimize any adverse impact on the Environment and existing green cover at the time of granting required project approval by the various statutory authorities, who would be approving the project, in accordance with rules, regulations, norms and standards, as applicable,” he further stated.
After facing opposition to various sites in the past, the Goa government identified the 10.5 lakh sq mtrs of land at Rivona in Sanguem which was inspected by the Committee last November.
CM, in his reply to the Assembly, indicated that the only suitable land identified is at Sanguem. He further assured that all aspects related to employment opportunities for Goan youths and the impact on the State’s demography would be appropriately considered and addressed once the project is initiated.
“IIT being an institute of national importance offering professional education at UG/PG and Research level, will certainly employ good number of human resources, as their teaching and non-teaching staff, from amongst aspirants at the National level, including Goans,” Sawant said.
During a general discussion on the 2024-25 Budget thereafter, MLA Michael Lobo criticized opposition to the IIT project stating that the government should finalize a land and lay the foundation stone for the benefit of future IIT students from Goa.
