The Goa government has officially designated a significant land parcel in South Goa for a major sports infrastructure project, moving ahead despite local resistance. The Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce has proclaimed 25,000 square meters of land in Loutolim, Salcete, as an Investment Promotion Area (IPA). This paves the way for the development of a large-scale cricket academy and sports arena.
Project Details and In-Principle Approval
The proclamation follows a crucial decision by the Goa Investment Promotion Board (GIPB), which granted its in-principle approval for this ambitious venture in mid-2025. The project, valued at Rs 65 crore, is being spearheaded by Chicalim Sarpanch Kamlaprasad Yadav through his company, Venture Building Dreams Pvt Ltd.
According to the proposal, the sports complex is planned on two contiguous land parcels in Loutolim. One plot measures 5,800 square meters, while the other is a larger 19,200 square meter piece of land. Yadav has stated that the completed facility will generate employment for approximately 950 individuals, providing a significant boost to local job opportunities.
Scope of the Project and Local Opposition
The proposed sports arena is designed to be a comprehensive facility. Plans include not just the cricket academy and playing fields, but also supporting infrastructure such as villas, a hotel, an academy block, a spectator gallery, a pavilion, a museum, and a clubhouse.
However, the project has not been met with unanimous support. The Loutolim gram sabha adopted a unanimous resolution demanding the revocation of the in-principle approval granted by the GIPB. Despite this clear local opposition, the state government has decided to proceed with the declaration of the IPA.
Regulatory Shift and Public Objection Period
The declaration as an Investment Promotion Area brings a major change in the regulatory oversight for the land. Once formally notified, the Goa Investment Promotion Board will assume powers related to building permissions, tax collection, and other regulatory matters within the designated zone. Consequently, the Loutolim village panchayat will no longer have jurisdiction over granting permissions for this specific project.
The department's notification has outlined a process for public feedback. Objections to the declaration can be submitted in writing to the Director of Industries, Trade and Commerce in Panaji. The window for submitting these objections is open for a period of 30 days from the date of the proclamation.
This is not the first such declaration in Loutolim recently. In September of this year, the industries department also declared over 13,000 square meters of privately owned land in the village as an IPA for Express Machines & Scaffolding Pvt Ltd, a warehouse operator.
