Panaji, Jul 17 (IBNS): The Goa sports ministry has decided to prepare a master plan for the proposed modern sports city complex coming up at Dhargal to host the National Games 2014.

Responding to a starred question by Congress legislator Aleixo Reginald Lourenco on Tuesday, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said the facilities proposed at Dhargal by the then government are subject to change.

“The cutting of huge trees alongside the national highway will depend on the master plan which will be prepared by a consultant. The process will begin shortly,” Tawadkar said.

The areas acquired at Dhargal, Pernem, Mandrem, Fatorda, Shiroda and Colvale, cuts across two agricultural-oriented villages.

Tawadkar mentioned in the written reply that Mandrem will house residential facility for the sportsmen while a Volleyball-cum-Body building indoor facility will be created at Shiroda, Handball indoor stadium will be set up at Fatorda and Colvale village will have all types of water sports facilities.

The project has always remained in controversy over the acquisition of land. The Bhartiya Janata Party, while in the Opposition had alleged massive scam in the land acquisition.

The party had accused the then Congress government of creating grounds for the national games, by cutting down huge trees. The acquisition of large chunks of fertile land was also severely opposed by the local farmers and civic groups.

(Reporting by John Edwards)