This is in reference to the Letter ‘Mopa Airport a need for welfare?’ by Camilo D’Souza (Herald, May 25).
First of all the writer must understand that the Greenfield Mopa airport is not opposed only by Fr Eremito Rebelo of GFDO, but majority of Goans who are concerned about the ecological damage to the environment of Goa in particular and the Western Ghat’s heritage in general.
Vijai Sardesai has realised the need of shifting major developments to North Goa, especially in Pernem Taluka, is totally misconceived opinion of the writer as Vijay cannot get elected on one stand and change to the opposite stand. That is betraying his voters. Also it is abutting the Western Ghats, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and an ecological hotspot. Mopa has 46 perennial springs which will be totally destroyed.
Besides, upcoming Mopa Airport is a huge development project which will change the economy and identity of Goa irreversibly. The Government of Goa proceeding with undue haste and is acquiring lands, and floated tenders without studying the impact on Goan environment, economy and society. All of this is happening with zero transparency and the people of Goa have not been taken into confidence, even as the Government is going ahead full steam with the project.
Dabolim Airport, as it exists, is sufficient for us till 2030. The available land within the airport is enough for several generations. The statement that civilian operations will continue at both Dabolim and Mopa airports is a blatant lie. It is certain that as soon as Mopa airport comes up, civilian operations at Dabolim airport will cease, just as has happened at Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Also it must be noted that Mopa airport is a real estate scam much bigger than the SEZ scam. Mopa airport will destroy tourism in the entire State, breaking the backbone of Goan Economy. The impact of this, on ordinary Goans, whether tourism dependent, or others, is beyond imagination.
It is the need of the hour for all Goans to rise and defend the Public Assets, Economy and Identity of Goa, for the future generations.
Proposing Mopa despite having a perfectly capable, centrally located airport is nothing short of a mystery. Upgrading the Dabolim Airport should be the focus as it more than sufficient to cater to the inflow of expected number of tourists and business travellers. The increase in travellers to Goa on account of the new airport is being portrayed as beneficial to the State but the explanations are not clear. When questions regarding Mopa are raised there are others who think that we are curbing the growth of Goa, but what good is development when it is going to harm our beautiful State?
The negative consequences of two airports are much more than the expected positive outcome. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the welfare of Goa but coming up with a new airport isn’t one. The Government should not focus on needless construction and indiscriminate violation of land and natural resources.
