Herald: There have been allegations that environmental damage has not been taken into consideration by the Mopa airport EIA report. Your reaction.
Devendra: As far as people for Mopa are concerned, whatever report was presented was good. But, having said that, whatever suggestions that were given have to be taken into consideration. For example environmental problems pointed out like water exhaustion, or streams being affected, all these should be taken into consideration. But there are no alternatives. However, science has developed so much, so we can take remedial measures today.
Herald: Basically what you are saying is development will damage the environment?
Devendra: Yes. Even if Dabolim is expanded and the Navy is to be driven out, wildlife will be affected since that plateau too has grazing land, lizards, etc.
We have found that whatever damage is caused to Mopa is less than what would be caused to another plateau. Also the opponents of Mopa are saying that some 40 lakh trees would have to be cut and they would be foregoing Rs 60 crore income. This is untrue.
Herald: Then there is a question of locals; of displacement of people. What do you have to say to that?
Devendra: Basically there are 13 houses (some 25 families) of dhangars. We say that whoever is losing land has to be relocated and given land by the government. On the issues of the farmers who are basically tenants, we are demanding compensation of Rs 400 per sqm instead of Rs 35 per sqm offered, so that they can buy alternate land or take up alternate lifestyle.
Herald: What about the issue of employment for locals?
Devendra: We are fighting for 90 per cent jobs for locals. Our demand is that first the people from the villages of Mopa should be employed, then Pernem and then surrounding areas like Bicholim.
Unskilled jobs would be such as utility, or drivers would be available to locals, but we are also asking the government to train local manpower for skilled job at IITs and begin now. The government should also sign a legal and binding MOU with the investors so that locals are given preference.
