Goa plans biotech, pharma parks

Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has allotted 12 lakh sq mt land for a pharma special economic zone (SEZ) at Keri in Ponda and another six lakh sq mt land to set up biotech parks.

State industries minister Luizinho Faleiro said 12.32 lakh sq mt land had been allotted to Meditab Specialities to set up a pharma park at Keri. Application of Meditab has been forwarded to the Union commerce ministry for its nod, he added.

As per the allotment agreement, the plot is leased for Rs 80 per sq mt which will fetch GIDC Rs 9.85 crore.

The annual rent rate of Rs 4.92 lakh has to be payed from the date of issue of allotment and default in payment will attract an annual interest at the rate of 15 per cent.

No construction will be allowed unless the land is converted to industrial use and approved by GIDC. "The company itself has to make arrangement for water, power and telecom," the minister said.

The state has received two proposals to start biotech parks in Goa, Faleiro said. Around 8.84 lakh sq mt land has been allotted to Inox Mercantile Company, promoted by Jaidev Modi and Rajesh Jaggi, at the rate of Rs 600 per sq mt in the phase IV at Verna Industrial Estate.

Peninsula Pharma Research Centre, promoted by Prabhu Koppad an Prashant Patil, has been allotted 2.03 lakh sq mt at the rate of Rs 270 per sq mt at Sancoale Industrial Estate.

Faleiro said the companies had already approached the Central and state governments to get clearance for their biotech park projects.