PANJIM: The Mopa Vimantal Pidit Xetkari Samiti (MVPXS), a group of farmers from Pernem, protesting against the proposed Greenfield International Airport at Mopa, has alleged that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report drafted by Engineers India Limited is misleading and does not match the ground reality and have demanded a fresh report.
MVPXS also claimed that an air of suspense and tension prevails around Mopa plateau, as the public hearing on EIA study of the proposed airport, is
scheduled on February 1, as there is every possibility of clashes between the pro and anti-Mopa crusaders. Addressing media persons, MVPXS convener Sandeep Kambli alleged that the EIA report is completely misleading and not in accordance with the reality of the area, acquired for the construction of the airport. He demanded that the entire exercise be redrafted in consultation with the locals.
“The government is treacherously trying to acquire our lands in the name of public interest,” Kambli said, reiterating that they will not give away their farms, even though the government has illegally acquired land for the project.
MVPXS has decided to submit a detail representation to the government, during the public hearing, demanding scrapping of EIA report and drafting of a fresh report with proper fact findings.
Kambli pointed out that the findings of the report that there is no vegetation on the land proposed for the airport, and that the area is not part of eco-sensitive zone are false, considering that the area is very rich in flora and fauna.
Kambli said that there is a strong possibility of a clash happening between the anti and pro Mopa group on the hearing day, the consequence of which would have to be borne by the local people whose future and lives are literally in jeopardy.
The proposed Mopa airport has drawn strong opposition from villagers of Varkhand-Nagzar, Mopa-Ugvem-Tamboxem, Chandel and Casarvarnem.
