Bhutani Project in Goa: A Threat to Local Land and Future, Alleges Goa Congress

Goa Congress Vice President Sunil Kawthankar has raised serious concerns about the Bhutani Project in Goa, calling it yet another instance of the government favoring outsiders at the expense of local Goans. In a press statement, Kawthankar outlined several key issues regarding the project, which he claims highlights the government’s increasing bias towards non-Goan investors, ignoring the interests of the Goan people.

Key Developments in the Bhutani Project:

1. Sanad Issued: The Sanad for the Bhutani Infra project was granted on 8 November 2023, marking the official approval of the land ownership.
2. Development Permission: On 2 February 2024, the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority granted development permission, allowing construction to begin.
3. Zoning Issues: The plot of land, located in Sancoale village, was originally designated as private forest and was not marked for commercial development, raising concerns about environmental and land-use violations.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns
More than 50% of the project land consists of steep slopes over 25%, classified as “no development zones” due to risks such as soil erosion and landslides. Kawthankar criticized the government for ignoring these dangers, questioning its commitment to environmental protection.

He further highlighted errors in the Outline Development Plan (ODP), accusing authorities of rezoning environmentally sensitive land to commercial status to benefit external investors. The site is near the Zuari River and its estuary, an area known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Large-scale development here threatens both the environment and local water bodies, warned Kawthankar.

Accusations of Concealment
According to Kawthankar, Bhutani Infra misled authorities by failing to disclose critical information about the land’s steep slopes, receiving approval based on incomplete data. This omission raises concerns about the project’s transparency and the potential dangers it poses to the state’s ecology.

A Call to Action
Kawthankar also condemned the government’s continued favoritism towards outsiders, claiming that it repeatedly alters zoning laws and grants approvals for projects on non-Goan-owned land, neglecting local concerns. He urged Goans to unite and resist such unsustainable developments to protect the state’s environment, culture, and future.

“The government’s irresponsible policies will lead to severe ecological and cultural consequences for future generations,” Kawthankar said, calling on Goans to rally together and safeguard their heritage for a more sustainable and equitable future.