Panjim:- Former GPCC President Girish Chodankar has urged Government of Goa to consider shifting controversial IIT project to Comunidade land at Sancoale which was leased out to M/S Birla in 1968. He further said, since the farmers are opposing the project and central government also opined that land of 7 lakh square metres identified by the state government at Sanguem is inadequate for the project and whereas the requirement is of 12 lakh square metres.
Chodankar said, Sancaole Comunidade had leased 55 lakhs sq mt land to M/S Birla and they do not need the particular land for the purpose for which it was given to them. He said there is attempt to a land scam to the tune of Rs. 6000 crore by attempting to sell Comunidade land admeasuring 50 lakhs squre metres. If we consider minimum price at Rs. 12,000 per square metres, although present rate is around Rs 20,000 per square meter it works out to be Rs. 60000000000
Chodankar said strong lobby is trying to sell this Comunidade land where many builders and real estate developers with the help of many local politicians. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant should make every effort to save the land and prevent the biggest scam in making dared Chodankar. CM should protect this prime land and part of it can be handed over for IIT project and remaining government can use as per requirements for public utilities.
Chodankar feared that land which was leased out at 2 paise per square metre would be sold at Rs. 20,000 sq mt that too the land belonging to Comunidade. If CM and his cabinet colleagues become part of this Scam then it will be biggest ever scam of Goa, he said.
Chodankar appreciated the efforts of Shri Narayan Naik from Sancaole who exposed this scam despite attempts made to silence him through bribe as well as threats. He also expressed his displeasure that one Goan trying to save our land but government is not responding and acting on his various complaints which is most unfortunate part. Although Mr. Naik has drawn attention of Prime Minister, nothing much has happened. We hope ‘Na khaunga, na khane dunga’ PM Shri Narendra Modi will strongly act on this scam said chodankar.