I refer to the news report ‘ Several parts of Pernem taluka witness flood-like situation’ (Herald, July 6) .
The Mopa Airport is going to be inaugurated in about a month’s time on August 15. However,I believe that the proposed Greenfield International airport at Mopa still remains only an “idea” to promote destruction of peaceful eco-sensitive villages and unique identity of Goa, through implementation of unsustainable mega industrial cities/townships projects, unwanted tourism and commercial projects and multi-modal transportation connectivity networks.
There are no proper feasibility studies to confirm the need for Mopa airport in Goa near the Goa-Maharashtra boundary to meet the air traffic requirements of the tiny State of Goa. Also, all the required project impact assessment studies have not been completed before starting the construction work of the airport and the massive connectivity roads in a hurry. The earthworks and construction debris management plans are critical to ensure project safety in highly eco-sensitive areas surrounding the Western Ghats. Have any such plans been prepared and approved by the concerned Authorities before allowing the construction work for Mopa Airport and supporting connectivity projects ?
The Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultancy Services for Preparation of Master Plan, Preliminary Project Report, Tender Document and Project Management Services for the Proposed new Greenfield Airport and Commercial/Industrial and Allied Developments near Mopa in Goa State are given in the PPP-Cell Mopa Airport bid document Sept. 2010, Section2 (pages 23 to 60). As per the TOR (refer page 28) , the technical consultant was required to collect data on i) Site Map. ii) Regional Maps. iii) Topography Sheets and Contour Maps, in addition to other data collection requirements.
The final report regional plan for Goa RPG-21 (Release one) Appendix –VII shows the Final Pernem Taluka Map dated 06.11.2010.The land-use index symbols for International Airport land acquisition are not clear for the proposed Greenfield Airport & Commercial/Industrial and allied development. The tender process for Mopa Airport to select the bidder was started and completed without proper project preparation to identify the scope of works for a Design Build Finance Operate Transfer (DBFOT) contract based on site clearances and master plans of the project components for phase -wise airport development. Did the PPP-Cell check and approve the site investigation feasibility reports and Master Plan of the Mopa Airport technical consultant before the tender process to appoint the Project Developer was started by the Authorities ? Was the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contractor allowed to start the work on Mopa Airport before completing these requirements?
The Special –Purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by the Mopa Airport BOT Contractor is not an independent institutional Authority to perform the role of Special Planning Authority.
