Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the proposed PM Unity Mall project will proceed, with the government currently exploring a new site for its construction.
Addressing the House, Khaunte said the government has initiated the administrative process to identify an alternative location after the earlier proposal to build the project at Chimbel faced resistance from local stakeholders.
He said the project remains on track and that efforts are underway to finalise suitable land for its development.
The minister also alleged that the Chimbel panchayat has retained ₹1 crore paid by the government towards obtaining a construction licence for the project. According to Khaunte, the panchayat has refused to return the amount unless the original site plan is restored.
He said the government is presently unable to carry out restoration work at the earlier location because the new site for the project has not yet been finalised.
Khaunte further claimed that protests held in Chimbel against the proposed Unity Mall had political undertones. According to him, the demonstrations were influenced by political interests rather than being entirely centred on opposition to the project.
During the Assembly session, the minister also said the government will prepare a comprehensive eco-tourism policy before initiating eco-tourism projects in the state.
He said the policy will be developed in coordination with the Forest Department and other stakeholders, and that suggestions will be sought from all 40 MLAs while drafting the framework.
“Unless we draft an eco-tourism policy, we cannot move ahead with eco-tourism initiatives. The policy will be prepared in coordination with the Forest Department and other concerned agencies, and we will take inputs from all 40 MLAs,” Khaunte said.
He also criticised the Opposition during the discussion, alleging that it had adopted a “double stand” on the issue.
“In the Assembly they ask the government to promote eco-tourism, but outside they sit on the roads protesting and raising slogans saying they do not want these projects,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Khaunte said strict action will be taken against tourists engaging in inappropriate behaviour on Goa’s beaches.
He said incidents involving young tourists troubling foreign visitors have raised concerns, and such conduct damages the state’s reputation as an international tourism destination.
“There is a growing perception among some young tourists that they can do anything in Goa because of the influence of social media. However, such behaviour will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken,” he said.
The minister said he has discussed the issue with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and steps are being taken to strengthen enforcement along the coastline.
As part of the measures, additional personnel from the Tourism Police Unit will be deployed on beaches in coordination with local police stations.
Khaunte said enforcement action is already underway and arrests are being made wherever necessary.
To further improve monitoring and safety, the government has also directed authorities to increase the number of women constables in the Tourism Police Unit.
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