67.22 lakh square metres and counting. How much of Goa does India need?

The tiny coastal State along the West Coast of India- Goa, with a total area of 3,702 lakh sq mtrs, has handed over nearly 67.22 lakh sq mtrs of land to the Union Defence Ministry, since its liberation in December 1961. A total of 118 plots are under the control of the defence. 

The Goa government’s recent decision to hand over 250 acres of land at Naqueri village in Quepem taluka to the Defence Ministry on a temporary basis to hold its annual DefExpo has raised strong criticism from across sections, considering the very fact that the Indian Navy, even after assurances failed to provide its additional land for expansion of the International Airport at Dabolim. 

As per the records, the defence has managed to acquire maximum land in Mormugao taluka, where the Naval base is situated. A total of 31.40 lakh sq mtrs of land, covering 80 plots, are in possession of the defence. This is followed by Tiswadi taluka, where 25.89 sq mtrs of land is with the Indian Army. This includes a Military training station and hospital in Panjim and Altinho.