Panaji: Congress said the state is set to lose Rs 4,992 crore in revenue over the 60-year lease of prime land at Dona Paula set aside for the convention centre. Congress state president Girish Chodankar said that the land has been leased for a mere Rs 108 crore even though it is worth Rs 5,100 crore.Chodankar raised concerns over the 60-year lease, excess land, environmental impact and public consultation. Congress has demanded that govt publish a survey-wise land-use breakup showing the exact land footprint, built-up area and permitted use of every component. He questioned whether state cabinet approval was obtained for the around 2.85 lakh sqm project and master plan.“Land in Dona Paula, with an estimated market value of approximately Rs 5,100 crore, is being offered under a concession arrangement involving an upfront fee of merely Rs 108 crore. The commercial development potential of the land could reach ₹Rs 1 lakh crore under a scenario involving FAR 300 and extensive commercialisation,” the Congress president said.Chodankar presented land records, project documents, maps, tender details and financial calculations to support his allegations of irregularities in allocating around 3.46 lakh sqm of prime Dona Paula land for commercial development under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.“Why is all govt land being given through PPP for commercial development? Who is permitting this? I can understand if the lease is for 5 years or 10 years, but a 60-year lease makes no sense,” said Chodankar.Chodankar demanded that the proposed commercial project at Dona Paula be scrapped and the land restored to its original purpose of developing an IT project. He said the unemployment scenario in Goa would not have been dire if the IT Hub had been successful.He said that govt must explain who granted permission for the land-use conversion and alleged that land scamsters are a part of it.
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