People’s power prevailed for the third time in quick succession, as Mormugao residents, who had been voicing strong opposition to the Formula 4 event, forced the State government to back down and relocate the racing event out of the taluka.
This marks yet another instance of public pressure compelling the State to retreat. Earlier this month, the government was forced to put on hold the steep hike in parking fees at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. The decision came barely a day after the government scrapped the controversial IIT project at Codar following strong community resistance.
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The decision to relocate the event out of Mormugao has brought relief to Bogda and Sada residents.
During his visit to the port town on Saturday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the venue for the upcoming prestigious international Formula 4 racing event would be shifted from Mormugao and the event dates postponed.
The earlier plan was for Goa to host the three-day Formula 4 of Indian Racing Festival in Mormugao from October 31 to November 2.
Following protests by Mormugao councillors and residents against the ongoing preparations, Sawant inspected the proposed venue for the event at Bogda and Sada and later held a closed-door meeting with Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Girish Borker, MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar, councillors and local residents at the Ravindra Bhavan, Baina. He heard grievances related to the event and also received representations from residents and Mormugao BJP Mandal president Avinash Naik.
After discussions, the Chief Minister announced that the government would respect public sentiments and relocate the event.
“We had planned to host the prestigious international Formula 4 event in Mormugao as it would have significantly boosted tourism and economic activity in the region. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in association with the Racing Promotion Private Limited were organising the event, and it would have been a very big event for Mormugao constituency because I had personally reviewed the preparations,” Sawant said.
Stating that there were solutions to most of the issues raised by residents except for a small stretch where the race track would have passed through a congested 400-metre area, he said, “The organisers had offered to construct an alternate route for residents. The event was also to be held for just three days from October 31 to November 2. But despite having practical solutions, when councillors and residents expressed that some people were opposing the event and they did not want the race, the government decided to shift the venue.”
“The venue of the event will be shifted to another location and the dates will be postponed. The new venue and dates will be announced shortly. The government cannot go against people’s wishes,” Sawant reiterated.
“I want to emphasise that while the government aims to promote Goa as a hub for international sporting and tourism events that can boost the economy of the area, people’s concern remains a top priority,” he said in the presence of councillors and residents.
The Goa government was expected to spend Rs 52 crore, mostly on creating infrastructure for the international motorsport event, while the Racing Promotion Private Limited was to invest Rs 176 crore.
The announcement brought relief to councillors and residents of Bogda and Sada, who had voiced concerns over safety, noise, and inconvenience due to the ongoing preparations.
The organisers had selected Mormugao after shortlisting three sites, the other two being at Miramar and Bicholim.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar stated that he would always stand by the people.
“If they (people) don’t want the race, I will be with them,” he said, alleging that the issue was politically motivated to tarnish his image. “Where were these councillors and the former MLA when houses at Bharat Lane and Harbour were planned for demolition or traditional pathways were being closed at Jetty?”
Amonkar added that the Chief Minister highlighted the economic benefits and the estimated turnover of Rs 900 crore but regretted that the Mormugao constituency lost the opportunity to host the international event.
