Between concrete and conservation, Chimbel finds itself at the centre of Goa’s most contentious development battle
In the quiet village of Chimbel, a political and environmental storm has erupted around a proposed development project; the Unity Mall. Touted by the government as a flagship infrastructure initiative poised to boost economic growth, the project has ignited fierce resistance from local communities, environmental activists, and opposition political leaders. At the heart of the dispute are conflicting visions of development, questions over environmental stewardship, and deep concerns about the future of the Toyar Lake ecosystem and surrounding biodiversity.
The Vision behind Unity Mall
The Unity Mall project forms part of a wider public infrastructure drive championed by both the state and central governments, aimed at modernising Goa’s economy and stimulating local commerce. Officials have described the mall as a ‘swadeshi, job-oriented project’ that will create employment opportunities for residents, spur tourism, and strengthen the regional economy.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, defending the project, said, “Unity Mall is not just a commercial complex. It is a swadeshi initiative that will create livelihoods for local youth and strengthen Goa’s economy. There is a lot of misinformation being spread.”
Government representatives have repeatedly stated that statutory clearances have been obtained, including environmental and wetland-related permissions. According to the government, the project is outside the notified wetland zone and does not interfere with protected ecosystems or draw water from nearby lakes.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, addressing concerns in the Legislative Assembly, asserted, “This project will usher in a Viksit Chimbel. All legal procedures have been followed and there is no threat to Toyar Lake or the environment.” He added that development projects could not be stalled “based on fear or political pressure”.
Why the Government is backing the Project?
From the government’s perspective, Unity Mall represents a strategic investment in Goa’s socio-economic future. Large retail and infrastructure projects are seen as essential to diversifying the state’s economy beyond tourism and hospitality.
Officials cite multiple reasons for backing the project
Employment Generation: Government leaders claim the mall will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. “Locals will benefit first,” Khaunte stated, “from retail to maintenance and services.”
Urban Infrastructure Growth: Unity Mall is portrayed as part of Goa’s modernization narrative, located along an existing four-lane highway, minimizing the need for additional infrastructure.
Legal Compliance: Ministers insist all approvals were granted after due process. “There is no illegality in this project,” Sawant told the Legislative Assembly, dismissing allegations of procedural lapses.
Political Resolve: The ruling party has framed opposition as politically motivated. A senior BJP leader remarked, “Development always faces resistance, but the government cannot stop progress because of a few protests.”
This firm stance has only deepened tensions on the ground.
Local Resistance and Political Opposition
For many residents of Chimbel, the Unity Mall is neither necessary nor welcome. Locals argue that the project was imposed without meaningful consultation and disregards the village’s ecological and cultural heritage.
A Chimbel resident participating in the hunger strike said, “We were never asked if we wanted a mall. This land, this lake, is our lifeline. You cannot replace it with concrete.”
Protesters fear that large-scale construction will irreversibly damage the Toyar Lake ecosystem, which has historically supplied water to Panaji and continues to support local biodiversity. Another villager remarked, “Toyar Lake is not just water; it is our history, our flood protection, and our environment.”
The agitation has taken several forms; indefinite hunger strikes, road blockades, Gram Sabha resolutions, and marches to the state Assembly. Women and elderly residents have also joined protests, underscoring the depth of opposition.
Political leaders from opposition parties have thrown their weight behind the movement. Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, accused the government of ignoring public sentiment, stating, “This government speaks of development, but real development listens to the people. Chimbel has clearly said no.”
Opposition MLAs staged sit-ins inside the Assembly, alleging a lack of transparency. “Why rush a project when there are serious environmental and legal questions?” asked another opposition legislator during the protest.
Environmental Concerns: Eco-Sensitive Areas and Toyar Lake
Environmental concerns remain central to the controversy. Chimbel lies close to eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands in the region act as natural flood buffers, aquifer recharge areas, and habitats for flora and fauna.
Environmental activists argue that even if the project falls outside officially notified wetland boundaries, its zone of influence could still affect the Toyar Lake ecosystem. “Wetlands don’t follow survey lines,” an environmental campaigner noted. “Construction runoff, loss of vegetation, and traffic can destroy delicate ecological balances.”
Residents fear that excavation and construction could disturb underground water channels feeding the lake. A local environmentalist warned, “Once these aquifers are damaged, there is no reversing it. Climate change will only worsen the consequences.”
Adding weight to the protestors’ claims, the Principal District and Sessions Court quashed the construction licence issued for the Unity Mall, citing irregularities in approvals. The ruling was hailed as a victory by locals. “This shows we were right to protest,” said a villager. “The law is finally listening to us.”
A Crossroads of Development and Conservation
The Unity Mall project in Chimbel has come to symbolise a larger conflict between development and environmental conservation in Goa.
While the government views the mall as a catalyst for economic growth and modernization, residents see it as a threat to their environment, heritage, and future.
As court proceedings, protests, and political debates continue, Unity Mall has evolved beyond a commercial proposal. It is now a test of governance, environmental accountability, and the right of communities to shape their own development.
Whether Goa can find a path that balances economic ambition with ecological responsibility remains an open and urgent question.
