MARGAO: It’s not just the host village of Betul that is opposing the defence expo; the Fatorpa panchayat has also voiced its opposition to the project at the gram sabha. The gram sabha has also opposed the setting up of industries at the Betul-Naqueri plateau and has instead demanded an institute or eco-friendly project on the grounds that it would be beneficial to the villagers and provide them with employment.
Sarpanch Sanzil D’Costa stated that their opposition stems from the fact that industries as well as the defense expo project of the Defence Ministry will only invite a large number of outsiders to the village.
The villagers also complained about the plying of mining trucks on the village roads sans any regulation of timings.
