Panaji: State Government has directed the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to decide on the applications received for setting up projects in the eco-sensitive areas (ESA) or restricted areas within seven days.
At the same time, it has restricted the powers of IPB, the single window for granting clearances, to that of facilitator in obtaining requisite permissions or clearances for the projects covered under section 8 of IPB Act 2014.
Under Section 8 of the IPB Act, the Board cannot recommend projects or investment promotions on areas like Khazan land, low lying, forest land, CRZ and tenanted agricultural land. “The aforesaid activities shall be permitted subject to the approval by the relevant authorities under the relevant laws,” the Act stated.
As such, in an order issued on May 21, the order issued in the Name of Governor of Goa, states that “the role of the Board shall be limited to that of facilitator in obtaining requisite clearances and approvals from Central government, State government departments and other agencies”.
“The Board shall within seven days, either sanctioning or rejecting the clearances, the case may be forward the same to the applicant which shall result into disposal of the application,” the order added.
