IPB refers MRF expansion, Vanxim resort, Vani Agro to consultant

Team Herald

PANJIM: The controversial MRF expansion project at Usgao, Ozone Leisure’s Vanxim resort, Vani Agro Farms Pvt Ltd’s Alcohol and Brewery at Sanguem projects are amongst the 20 projects, which Investment Promotion Board (IPB) has decided to review through its satellite consultant. IPB had last year referred 13 projects to the consultant for scrutiny.

The IPB meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has identified two projects, which were granted in-principle approval by the Board, for scrutiny. These projects are categorised under industry, institution, entertainment, hospitality and marina. 

Two marina projects – one at Sancoale and one at Nauxi – whose permissions have also been revoked by the Board, have been taken up for review. Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC’s) rope way project, also figures in the list. The project received a setback with IPB suspending the in-principle approval granted to it.

MRF Ltd’s proposed expansion project at Usgao, Ozone Leisure’s Vanxim resort the Vani Agro Farms Pvt Ltds’ Alcohol and Brewery project at Amdai Sanguem have been challenged before the High Court by villagers and green activists. 

Projects by Goan Marine Impex, Penha De France Properties, Kargwal Construction, Yacht Heaven, are also before the court. Permissions to these projects have been challenged. 

Herald had exposed how MRF Ltd’s proposal was categorised under the Orange category from the Red and then granted consent by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). IPB had granted it permission in 2016. The company proposed expansion of the current plant manufacturing from 6 lakh tyres per month to 13 lakh tyres per month.

Similarly, the project at Vanxim envisages an integrated 5-star resort and villa estate development, approved in 2015.

Vani Agro project, which led to destruction of large tracks of coconut orchard at Amdai in Sanguem, was given permission in 2015. The distillery and brewery project was to come up on a 12-hectare plot which has at least 500 coconut trees.