Unclear property titles delay tourism corporation leased projects in Goa

Goa tourism development corporation ltd (GTDC) came under heavy criticism when in 2016 it leased out some properties at prime locations in the state. In 2016, lease agreements were signed for four major properties for building starred hotels, but the delay in getting various statutory permissions has deferred implementation of the project. GTDC has no clue how long it will take for it to obtain the required permits. Chairman, GTDC, Nilesh Cabral who advocated the concept of leasing out GTDC properties which were left neglected and underused for decades, said, “I really can’t say when all the permissions will be obtained.”  The problem has surfaced as the properties in question are in coastal regulation zones (CRZ). The new CRZ plan has not been finalised yet, which has caused a delay in getting permission from the Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) in the case of some properties.