Dabolim airport and the area around it owned by the Navy has always been the bone of contention in Goa. Goans have constantly asked for the airport to be returned back, but it has fallen on deaf ears. Add to this, news of Goa being the proposed destination for DefExpo 2016, has amplified the rift. Politicians past and present have used us Goans vulnerable point to their advantage—”The project will generate employment for youth and business.” But behind this, lies the sinister hands of real estate sharks, waiting for an opportunity to sell land under the garb of development. Dabolim, Mopa or Quitol meant for DefExpo are all interlinked, as it is about the land.
Land presently given to hold the DefExpo was earlier sought from the Communidade for an industrial estate. Governments have always taken Communidade land for starting industry, but few years later the land is sold for other purposes. Land in the vicinity of Dabolim airport belonged to Chicalim Communidade, which they lost over a period of several years as it was grabbed for parking of vehicles and widening of road without following proper acquisition procedure. Loss of Communidade land is loss of revenue. Communidade was established to protect our lands, but this system is being exploited.
Large amount of land in Goa is held by the Defence. According to A.K. Antony’s reply to Shantaram Naik in 2011, he informed that the Navy in Goa owned 2,442.3396 acres and army 930.643 acres—totalling to 3,372.9826 acres. The Navy, further sought additionally land measuring 227.77 acres from Government of Goa—at Bimbel Beach area (26.77 acres), Grandi Island (133.00 acres) and Pikene Island (68.00 acres), Antony informed the Rajya Sabha gathering. With the 150 acres at Quitol given for the DefExpo, total land owned by the Defence is 3,522.9826 acres. We happen to be the only state to have allotted vast tracks of land to the Defence.
Navy’s control of Dabolim airport has seen the Navy, Government of Goa and Airports Authority of India (AAI) squabble on various issues. On 12 May 2006, to find a solution, a group of bureaucrats and representatives of all the three institutions met in New Delhi. An the high-level meeting, it was discussed and agreed upon that the Navy, pending cabinet approval, would ‘ín principal’ approve for AAI to utilise nine acres of land which has been requested for by AAI. Parallel taxi tracks would be developed jointly by the Navy and the AAI. The India Navy would also develop aprons and make available more lands towards the Indian Oil Fuel dump for additional apron space. The meeting further also requested the Deputy Chief of Navy to examine if the Navy and Coast Guard hangers could be shifted. However, none of these have been fulfilled by the Navy.
Further the Government of Goa would make lands available to the AAI, for shifting of the AAI’s Housing Colony. The Navy has been holding on to land— two football fields and a golf course for recreation purpose near the airport. Why can’t the Navy part with some of this land? Why should the Government of Goa always keep giving land?
A master plan has been prepared for Dabolim airport where in, all development related to Dabolim has to be carried out as per the master plan. It was agreed that the AAI would shift its housing colony away from the main airport. Ten years later this decision still remains on paper. AAI would also help in relocation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) facility. If the Indian Navy gave an NOC for nine acres of land (which has already been requested) then the tendering process of AAI would be initiated, which has yet to be fulfilled. In case of lands next to the Indian Airport Fuel Dump were made available, AAI would shift the road belonging to the Indian navy. However, neither of the parties have tried to implement them.
The Defence Ministry announced Goa to be the venue for DefExpo 2016. With Dabolim’s restrictions, Mopa still getting ready, the only option was to find new land to hold the event. Government of Goa obliged and gave 150 acres of land in Quitol for DefExpo. When quizzed on the land allotment, the government’s response was that the land was temporary. RTI documents reveal Parrikar’s letter clearly mentioning a 10,000 ft runway needs to be set up a for the show, proving it is going to be used for Defence purpose.
Quitol, is a burning issue. To hold or not to hold the DefExpo is being asked? We the citizens clearly do not want the event. The government refuses to listen to our voices. Recently the Ministry stated if Goa refused to facilitate Defence Exposition (DefExpo) in the State this year, it would embarrass the Centre. Well, if the Defence Ministry wants to keep its face, it can set up a temporary exhibition centre without spending crores of rupees like it is done in countries abroad. What is the justification of acquiring 150 acres of land in Quitol? After all it is only a four-day event held every two years. Temporary exhibition stalls can easily be put up at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium at Bambolim, without disturbing Quitol. Having the DefExpo at Bambolim will draw in the crowds, as it is easily accessible.
My previous articles on the DefExpo, have reasoned out why the DefExpo should not be held in Goa—lack of infrastructure being the main. We do not need to re-invent the wheel, when we already have existing infrastructure at the Yelahanka airport in Bengaluru, where Aero India is regularly being held.
Our Defence forces have been acquiring land in Goa for their own interests. The Navy can part with a fraction of their land for expansion of hanger facilities etc at Dabolim. But no, they want more. It is time we awake from our slumber.
(Vito Gomes is the Managing Director of Aviation Travel & Tourism Services)
