The decision to scrap the Unity Mall project at Chimbel was taken after carefully considering the emotions and sentiments of the local community,” said Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte.

Responding to a joint question raised by  Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLA Benaulim Venzy Viegas during the ongoing Assembly session he stated, “An amount of ₹7.10 crore has been disbursed towards the Unity Mall project so far. In addition, a claim of ₹11.63 lakh has been submitted by the consultant, which is currently under review and has not yet been released.

The Tourism Minister stated that a joint site inspection of the proposed location at Chimbel was carried out at the insistence of local residents who had expressed objections to the project. During the inspection, the concerns raised by protesters regarding the wetland area and influence zone were clarified. However, despite this, a fresh demand emerged later stating scrap the project itself, he said while responding to the discussion during Question Hour.

The Minister further stated that the project was a Central Government initiative planned for 28 states and 8 Union Territories. He added that during the joint inspection it was confirmed that the project site was located 386 metres away from the wetland area. The Unity Mall was intended to showcase the concept of “Unity in Diversity,” and the government will now have to identify a new location for the project.

The Minister further stated that the government is in the process of identifying an alternative site where the materials and resources purchased for the project can be effectively utilised. Once a suitable site is identified, the matter will be placed before the Cabinet for a decision, he added.