The SEZ controversy in Goa doesn't seem to end. With real estate developer Raheja Group challenging the Goa government's verdict to scrap the approved SEZ before the Bombay High Court, the entire episode has taken a new twist.
According to a senior official from Raheja Group, 'We have clarified that our SEZ was non-polluting and has no reason per se for the government to stop it. We have already put in a lot of money on the project.'
This is the second such case in row after pharma giant Cipla, who had filed two petitions In December 2007 challenging the state government's order to discontinue construction at their SEZ site. The case is still pending in the court. Cipla had about 60 acres land out of the total 600 acres under Meditab, intended for an SEZ which was notified by the government. Cipla was to invest in Rs 400 crore in the location to make aerosols, capsules and tablets. The company has already invested about Rs 200 crore at the site, official sources claim.
There are about 15 SEZs, proposed to enter Goa property markets, in total that had received on paper sanctions by the government. However, the protests by local people who were worried about the encroachment by outsiders and other related issues brought work at the SEZ sites to a standstill, causing frenzied discussions between the Centre and the Goa Government.
Since, SEZs come under both the Centre and State, the State before forwarding its proposal should have evaluated the impact it would have on local people, feels industry sources. The decision to cease SEZ work, after approval, is hitting hard on the finances of developers who have already started groundwork of their respective SEZs. Property developers in Goa feel that, governments should address the issue without any prejudice, and give a second thought on their decision.
