AAP Voices Concern Over Proposed IIT Site in Codar-Bethora

PONDA : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has extended its support to villagers of Codar-Bethora who are opposing the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) project on agricultural land in the area.

AAP Goa president Amit Palekar, who met the villagers on Saturday along with party leaders, said the project should not come at the cost of livelihoods and ecology. “The government earlier attempted to set up the project in Sattari and Sanguem, and now in Codar. Much of this land sustains Scheduled Tribe families who depend on farming and horticulture. Declaring it as barren is unjust,” he said.

Mr. Palekar pointed out that Codar lacks even basic infrastructure such as a primary school or an Anganwadi. “Before setting up premier institutions, the government should provide essential facilities. It is ironic to propose an IIT when the village does not have a school,” he remarked.

The AAP leader also flagged concerns about water availability, stating that the land feeds into the Opa water system, already under strain. He further cautioned against the ecological impact of clearing green cover in an area where wildlife, including peacocks and tigers, coexist with local communities.

While clarifying that the party welcomed an IIT in Goa, Mr. Palekar urged the government to relocate the project to a more suitable site. “Development must not destroy livelihoods, water sources and ecology,” he said.