IIT-Goa Project at Codar Shelved Due to Local Protests
The Goa government has officially scrapped the plan to establish a permanent campus for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa in Codar village, Ponda taluka. This decision comes after significant opposition from local residents, marking the fifth site abandoned since the IIT’s inception in 2016.
Background of the Project
In August 2025, the Goa government announced its intention to set up the IIT Goa campus on a 10 lakh square meter plot of land classified as agricultural. However, the decision faced immediate backlash from villagers who expressed concerns over the lack of consultation regarding the use of their land.
Local Opposition
Residents of Codar village voiced strong objections, citing that the land in question is vital for their agricultural activities. They threatened to escalate their protests, drawing parallels to previous incidents in Melauli, where villagers clashed with police in January 2021 over similar issues.
Local MLA and Water Resources Minister, Subhash Shirodkar, who had initially supported the project, visited the village to address the concerns. He communicated the government’s decision to abandon the project, stating, “If people do not want the project, we will not bulldoze it.”
Government’s Response
During discussions with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Shirodkar emphasized the importance of community support for educational initiatives. He acknowledged the villagers’ right to oppose the project and confirmed that the government would respect their wishes.
Shirodkar also mentioned that the government had previously identified other potential sites for the IIT campus, including Loliem, Cotarlim, and Rivona, all of which were shelved due to local protests.
Concerns of Displacement
Shirodkar reassured the villagers that there was no intention of displacing them or disrupting their livelihoods. He noted that around 50 households in the tribal hamlet of Kasamshel would not be affected. However, he cautioned that continuous opposition could jeopardize the future of IIT Goa in the state.
“Some carried out propaganda that they will initially say 9 lakh sqm of land is required for the IIT and then the remaining area will be taken over,” he said, addressing fears among the villagers.
Community Sentiment
Despite the government’s reassurances, villagers remain adamant about holding a special gram sabha (village council meeting) to formally register their opposition to the project. Local sentiments reflect a broader concern about the impact of large-scale projects on agricultural land and community resources.
Shirodkar acknowledged the challenges faced by IIT Goa at its temporary campus, where facilities like hostels and laboratories are scattered. He remarked that opposition to the project could hinder progress and development in the region.
The Future of IIT Goa
The IIT Goa administration continues to function from its temporary location, but the lack of a permanent campus poses challenges for its growth and development. Shirodkar expressed hope that the institute could eventually foster a research-oriented environment beneficial to local youth and the community.
“Almost every state has an IIT, and others are seeking one. A time will come when once all states are covered, one IIT may come up in every district. IIT also puts a lot of stress on research, that is why I wanted it to come to our region,” he stated, highlighting the potential benefits of having an IIT campus in Goa.
Conclusion
The shelving of the IIT Goa project at Codar is a significant development that underscores the importance of community engagement in governmental decisions. As the government navigates these challenges, it must balance educational aspirations with the rights and concerns of local residents.
Note: This article is based on the latest developments regarding the IIT Goa project and reflects the sentiments of local residents and government officials.
