Elvidio Miranda
The issue of the construction of the so-called green field airport at Mopa has still not satisfied all the stake holders, without a shade of doubt. The project seems to be a flagrant violation of all environmental norms. To name just two organisations that are opposing the project, the Goa For Dabolim Only (GFDO) have already gathered a very voluminous amount of evidence under the Right to Information Act that portrays Mopa as a huge scam. GFDO have confirmed that they will approach the Supreme Court in order to shelve the project.
Also, Mopa Vimantal Pidit Shetkari Samiti, an umbrella organisation of the local residents who are staunchly opposed to the said project want the Mopa plateau to be preserved so as to save their traditional occupation, basically farming. A case has already been filed in the Supreme Court as well as with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Moreover, the High Court has brought a stay on the felling of trees, without proper approvals of the Forest Department which estimate that large and small trees numbering almost 31,000 are due for facing the axe in Mopa. The issue to the compensation paid to the local residents is also not yet been determined threadbare. Also, two legal structures have been demolished.
In addition to the above, the Mopa plateau is a hot-spot of bio-diversity that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna that will be rendered displaced and face extinction. In a democracy, the local residents are the ones who have to determine their destiny and what is a very stark reality is that the locals do not want to be displaced from their land and want to continue working in their natural rustic environs. How can the government fast-track and by-pass the wishes of the people in order to impose upon them a project which is not acceptable to them?
The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal have to step in, in order to arbitrate on the matter and bring about the much needed clarity on the project. It is without doubt, that nature will exact revenge on those who seek to destroy this scenic and rustic abode of the locals. Choosing between preserving nature which is the wish of the locals and imposing upon them a project, which will forever destroy the natural habitat of the flora and fauna is to be ensured. A tourist spot like Goa will definitely opt for the former. The deafening clamour of the locals will haunt Mopa for a long time.
