18 Feb 2017  |   07:45pm IST

Major relief to MOPA affected Dhangar families

Team Herald

PANJIM: 

In a major relief to 14 Dhangar families, which are reeling under fear of rehabilitation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the project proponent of the Mopa Greenfield International Airport not to shift these occupants from their places-Mopa Sada that has been acquired for construction of second airport.

The Federation of Rainbow Warriors and one Hanuman Laxman Aroskar had approached NGT seeking directions restraining project proponent-

Bangalore based M/s GMR Airport Limited from relocating or shifting of 14 occupants from the site.

While fixing the matter for March 2, the NGT Pune bench comprising of Justice Jawad Rahim and Dr Aiay Deshpande issued order not to shift these occupants from their respective places until the next date of hearing.

The appellant pointed out that there have been certain developments to show that the project is likely to take off 14 houses as identified which are coming within the area of Airport project and are likely to be displaced by way of rehabilitation.

“No firm rehabilitation proposal is so far given to these occupants and they are being pressurized politically to accept whatever being offered. The occupants are required to be protected till the appeal to Environment clearance is decided,” the appellant stated.

During the hearing, the project proponent informed that these occupants will be rehabilitated giving them the alternative accommodation and compensation to their satisfaction. “We have formulated such a scheme which is under consideration of government and, if approved and also agreed by such occupants, we will go ahead with the rehabilitation,” it stated.