Goa CM directs TCP minister to scrap Bhutani Infra's project
ECONOMY & POLICY

Goa CM directs TCP minister to scrap Bhutani Infra's project

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant instructed the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister, Vishwajit Rane, to cancel the Bhutani project in Sancoale if the various permissions granted to it were found to be improper. Sawant indicated that he would recommend to the TCP that all files related to permissions for large-scale projects should be routed to the Chief Minister’s office, as such projects involve multiple departments.

Responding to public calls to scrap the Bhutani project, the Chief Minister remarked that in recent days, the state had seen several protests regarding the upcoming development, with the matter even being raised during the monsoon session of the assembly. He clarified that typically, no files concerning proposed large or small projects are directed to the Chief Minister, his office, or any department under his control.

Referring to documents circulating on social media, Sawant noted that the issue surrounding this project seemed to have been ongoing since 2007. He instructed the TCP Minister that if permissions, such as land conversion and environmental clearances, were not properly granted, they should be revoked and the project halted. He stressed that projects causing public discontent were not desirable.

As chairman of the TCP's steering committee, Sawant said he would convene a meeting, which had not been held for some time, to propose that approvals for large projects be forwarded to the Chief Minister, as these involve coordination across various departments. He highlighted that such developments often require services like water and sewage treatment, meaning multiple departments must be consulted.

Shortly after the TCP Minister's direction, the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) issued a show-cause notice to the developer of the Bhutani project, questioning why action should not be taken for violating the terms of permission. MPDA member secretary, Sanjay Halornekar, informed the developer that they must respond within seven days, explaining why their development permissions should not be revoked.

Rane, the TCP Minister, clarified that the permissions had been granted before his tenure but, in light of the concerns raised by the people of Sancoale and Goa, he had instructed the MPDA to issue the notice based on received representations.

The notice pointed out discrepancies, such as the width of access to the property being 7 metres instead of the required 10 metres, violating the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010. Furthermore, it highlighted that the development would require the cutting of hilly land with a gradient greater than 1:10, for which prior approval from the Chief Town Planner had not been obtained, thereby breaching the conditions of the development permission.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant instructed the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister, Vishwajit Rane, to cancel the Bhutani project in Sancoale if the various permissions granted to it were found to be improper. Sawant indicated that he would recommend to the TCP that all files related to permissions for large-scale projects should be routed to the Chief Minister’s office, as such projects involve multiple departments. Responding to public calls to scrap the Bhutani project, the Chief Minister remarked that in recent days, the state had seen several protests regarding the upcoming development, with the matter even being raised during the monsoon session of the assembly. He clarified that typically, no files concerning proposed large or small projects are directed to the Chief Minister, his office, or any department under his control. Referring to documents circulating on social media, Sawant noted that the issue surrounding this project seemed to have been ongoing since 2007. He instructed the TCP Minister that if permissions, such as land conversion and environmental clearances, were not properly granted, they should be revoked and the project halted. He stressed that projects causing public discontent were not desirable. As chairman of the TCP's steering committee, Sawant said he would convene a meeting, which had not been held for some time, to propose that approvals for large projects be forwarded to the Chief Minister, as these involve coordination across various departments. He highlighted that such developments often require services like water and sewage treatment, meaning multiple departments must be consulted. Shortly after the TCP Minister's direction, the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) issued a show-cause notice to the developer of the Bhutani project, questioning why action should not be taken for violating the terms of permission. MPDA member secretary, Sanjay Halornekar, informed the developer that they must respond within seven days, explaining why their development permissions should not be revoked. Rane, the TCP Minister, clarified that the permissions had been granted before his tenure but, in light of the concerns raised by the people of Sancoale and Goa, he had instructed the MPDA to issue the notice based on received representations. The notice pointed out discrepancies, such as the width of access to the property being 7 metres instead of the required 10 metres, violating the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010. Furthermore, it highlighted that the development would require the cutting of hilly land with a gradient greater than 1:10, for which prior approval from the Chief Town Planner had not been obtained, thereby breaching the conditions of the development permission.

Next Story
Technology

AirBrick Infra Sets Rs 1 billion Target, Expands to Dubai and Tier-II Cities

AirBrick Infra, one of India’s fastest-growing AI-led commercial interior design and build firms, has announced a sales order target of Rs 1 billion for FY 2025–26. The projection represents a 50 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year and reflects rising demand, increased repeat business, and the company's robust tech-first delivery model.  Now in its third year of operations, AirBrick continues its rapid scale-up, having successfully delivered over 70 projects spanning 3 lakh sq ft in FY 2023–24. FY 2024–25 witnessed the onboarding of several Fortune 500 clients, sett..

Next Story
Resources

Virtusa Foundation Powers Green Education Drive in Bengaluru

The Virtusa Foundation, CSR arm of digital engineering and technology leader Virtusa Corporation, has announced key infrastructure and mobility initiatives at the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru. The launch marks the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for lady teachers and the deployment of two solar-powered electric buses, underscoring Virtusa’s commitment to its core pillars of Education, Environment and Empowerment (3Es).  Located on the forest fringe near Bannerghatta National Park, the initiative supports tribal and underserved communities, complementi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Godrej Enterprises Drives India’s Smart Green Logistics Shift

As India accelerates its transformation into a global manufacturing and logistics hub, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) is taking the lead with its smart, sustainable intralogistics solutions. Through its Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and Storage Solutions businesses, GEG is redefining operational efficiency in modern warehouses and factories using IoT, automation, and AI. GEG has consistently maintained a 20–25 per cent market share in the intralogistics sector over the past three years. Today, over 37 per cent of GEG’s revenues come from its Good & Green portfolio, and its net..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?