PANJIM: In what could turn out to be the costliest rehabilitation package in the State so far, the government will spend a whopping Rs 12 cr to rehabilitate the 14 Dhangar families in Mopa.
As per information available, land belonging to 14 Dhangar families was to be acquired for the Mopa airport, which the families had opposed. The State government has produced an affidavit in the High Court stating it is ready to pay the compensation or rehabilitate the Dhangar families as per their wish, which was also included in the judgement passed by the court.
With the Mopa airport project in overdrive mode, the State government does not want any hindrance at this stage.
Information given by the Civil Aviation Director Suresh Shanbhogue shows that the government through Revenue Department is in the process of acquiring 36,800 square metres of land at Kasarwane village in Survey No 207, for the 14 families.
He said the land belongs to the Sateri temple and is being acquired by Revenue Department under Direct Purchase policy at a cost of Rs 5.83 cr.
“Each family will get 800 sq metres of land which will include a 100 metre constructed house and a 50 metre cow shed besides an open area of 22,000 square metres for grazing, which will at all time be in possession of the State government,” he said.
A community hall and a crematorium are also planned for the 14 families besides regular electricity, water supply and road connectivity, he added. Each of the 14 families will also get employment at Mopa airport.
Asked about the details of construction, the official said that the PWD had prepared the estimates of Rs 7 cr, which has been reduced to around 6 cr.
“The GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) will construct the 14 houses and sheds so as to speed up the work. The construction cost would be borne by the State after verification by the PWD,” he said.
