MARGAO: Demanding a freeze on all activities in respect of the proposed Mopa Airport until and EIA and feasibility study is carried out, the Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) on Sunday appealed to all elected representatives to reconsider this vital issue, and to do justice to the people of Goa by forcing the government to stop taking hasty and blind steps, which would only hurt the interests of the State.
Condemning the chief minister’s announcement of floating a RFQ for Mopa Airport, GFDO Convenor Fr Eremito Rebello demanded that Parrikar sees reason and reverts his decision immediately. “The chief minister’s off-the-cuff statement reflects the thoughtlessness with which the airport policy for the State is being handled by the government, putting in jeopardy our economy and society,” he added.
GFDO demanded that the government reconsider the issue of the second airport with due application of mind and without succumbing to vested interests, so that the interests of Goa are served. “The feasibility study for Mopa Airport was conducted in 2005 and was nothing more than an eyewash. The baseless study carried out 10 years ago has even less validity today, and the government must reconsider the issue afresh in today’s changed circumstances. The ministry of civil aviation recommendation that planning for airport capacity be carried out only for the next 10 years also implies that the old study is no longer valid, Fr Rebello said.
He pointed out that the forced and hasty acquisition of the lands of poor farmers by misusing colonial laws has deprived them even of their rightful compensation under new laws. “This intentional act has resulted in needless suffering and huge losses for poor Goans and reveals that the Government has no interest in serving the people. However, the affected residents of Mopa have not given up their struggle to retain their lands, and GFDO will support them,” he added.
He said the chief minister’s announcement regarding the request for quotation displays scant respect for the laws, environment, economy and society of our State. “Our government has not only acquired poor farmers’ lands without mandatory impact studies, but is now blatantly defying the law by proceeding with contractual activities. It is incomprehensible that such a huge project is being tendered without any transparency or thought. The secrecy and haste can only be meant to hide vested interests and a looming disaster from the unsuspecting Goans,” he said.
Colonial laws in play
Fr Eremito Rebello said that forced and hasty acquisition of lands of poor farmers by misusing colonial laws has deprived them even of their rightful compensation under new laws
