Digital Goa, July 23 – Government will reclaim the 1.98 lakh sq m land leased to the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) at Dhargal in 2018 if it fails to begin work on the proposed cricket stadium within the next two years, warned CM Pramod Sawant. He said that although the lease agreement was signed eight years ago, GCA has not even sought permission from the PWD for approach roads or obtained approvals from local bodies. He added that he was not aware if they had applied for the shifting of high-tension wires crossing the site. GCA was required to pay ₹19 crore to the government for the land, of which ₹9.49 crore has been paid so far. A show-cause notice was issued on May 28, 2024, over the delay in starting work, but the explanation provided was unsatisfactory, CM said. He suggested that GCA could consider shifting the project to an alternative site, such as Maulinge in Bicholim, where they already own land, and assured government support if they do so. Sawant also lamented that of the 153 playgrounds in Goa, barely 10 to 12 are being put to full use.
