Following a long process, Delta Corp Limited has finally received the environment clearance for its Deltin Town project at Dhargalim, Pernem from the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). With the landmark approval, the project is now all set for implementation.
The Rs 3000 crore casino-integrated township project received a nod from the state government in October last year. Later, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa- SEAC) recommended the proposal for prior environment clearance in June. The said project includes three hotels, a convention centre, multiplex, retail area, water park, banquet facilities, and a children’s entertainment area.
“After scrutinising and perusing the documents submitted by the project proponent and considering recommendation by the Goa-SEAC (State Expert Appraisal Committee), the authority decided to grant environment clearance to the proposal,” said the Goa SEIAA as quoted by The Times of India.
The Goa SEIAA issued a list of criteria and activities that Delta Corp had to carry out under corporate environmental responsibility (CER). “As per office memorandum issued by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change dated May 1, 2018, some of the activities which can be carried out under CER are infrastructure creation for drinking water supply, sanitation, health, education, skill development, roads, cross drains, and electrification including solar power,” the statement said.
SEIAA also instructed the casino operator to build a biogas plant and to manage e-waste properly. It further stated that borewell water should only be used for drinking and not for construction.
The project has been delayed several times due to objections from various citizen groups, the most recent being from the NGO Bailancho Saad. However, with the green light from the environmental authority, the project is now ready for implementation. It is scheduled to be completed by 2027.