Goa should not have more than two SEZs: BJP

PANAJI: BJP has demanded that Goa should not allow more than two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state to arrest the `demographic invasion.'

"Goa has already notified two SEZs. We don't want more as it will result in forced migration in the state which will stress the infrastructure further," Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar told reporters on Monday.

Citing the replies tabled by Goa government on the floor of the House, he said the state should put a ceiling on any further SEZs in the state which needs huge chunk of landmass and power.

The official figures revealed that Goa has recognised two SEZs. Seven SEZs, including two which are recognized, are approved by the Centre, while eight more proposals are pending in Delhi which sums to 15 such exclusive zones in the state.

Referring to official documents, Parrikar said 98 lakh square metres of land is already allotted by the state government for SEZs while procedure for allotting additional 1.27 crore square metres is in the pipeline.

"The land is sold to the companies at cheap price by the Minister by striking underhand dealings," Parrikar alleged. "This land amounts to twice the land allotted by government to industrial development in last 44 years," he added.

Of the total SEZ proposals, seven are Information Technology or ITES, three bio-tech, one pharma, one research, two gems and jewellery and one food park, Parrikar said.