Goa sends review petition to Centre for scrapping of SEZs

Panaji, Jul 11 (UNI) The Goa government has sent a review petition to the Centre, renewing its plea for scrapping of the notified special economic zones (SEZs) in tune with the popular demand.

Disclosing this to mediapersons after a Cabinet meeting here today, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the government had put forth all arguments against setting up of SEZs in Goa, as it is not in a position to cope with the tremendous pressure on existing infrastructure including land, water and energy resources.

The government had also directed the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation (GIDC) to take back the land already allotted to the SEZ developers, he said.

It may be recalled that the Centre had recently expressed its inability to scrap the notified SEZs in Goa, raising a controversy, even the NGOs are gearing up for a renewed agitation against the decision.

Interestingly, villagers of Sancole, Verna and Kero-Ponda had recently filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court at Goa, seeking a directive for restoration of the lands back to the villagers from the SEZ developers.

They have also sought a probe by the CBI or a Commission of Inquiry into the allotment of land to the developers and irregularities in the allotment by the GIDC, if any.

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