The Goa government has scrapped plans for an IIT campus in Codar village after strong opposition from local residents, mostly farmers concerned about environmental and livelihood impacts. The decision was announced on Sunday, following discussions between state ministers and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The CM reportedly emphasized that the government “does not want to force the project on the people of that village.” Residents had protested that constructing the IIT campus in Codar would damage the natural habitat and disrupt farming activities, which form the backbone of the local economy.
State Minister Shirodkar noted that while the IIT campus at Codar would have brought development and infrastructure improvements to the area, the project will now continue at its current location in Farmagudi, Ponda, despite limited space for expansion. He added that the government will now need to identify a new site for the proposed campus.
Shirodkar also expressed concern over the trend of opposing developmental projects, calling it “detrimental to the state’s growth.” He alleged that some “vested interests” were influencing residents against initiatives intended to benefit the community and clarified that the IIT campus would not have impacted farmers’ land or livelihoods.
The government’s decision highlights the challenge of balancing development with local environmental and social concerns, as authorities seek alternative solutions for expanding higher education infrastructure in Goa.
