The issue of the construction of the so-called greenfield airport at Mopa has still not satisfied all the stake holders without a shadow of doubt. The project seems to be a flagrant violation of all environmental norms. To name just two organizations that are opposing the project, the Goa For Dabolim Only (GFDO) have already gathered a very voluminous amount of evidence under the Right to Information Act that portrays Mopa as a huge scam. GFDO has confirmed that they will approach the Supreme Court in order to shelve the project. Also, Mopa Vimantal Pidit Shetkari Samiti, an umbrella organization of the local residents who are staunchly opposed to the said project want the Mopa plateau to be preserved so as to save their traditional occupation which is basically farming. A case has already been filed in the Supreme Court as well as with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Moreover, the High Court has brought a stay on the felling of trees, without proper approvals of the Forest Department which estimate that large and small trees numbering almost 31,000 are due to face the axe in Mopa. The issue to the compensation paid to the local residents is also one that has not yet been determined threadbare. Also, two legal structures have been demolished. In addition to the above, the Mopa plateau is a hot-spot of bio-diversity that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna that will be displaced and face extinction. In a democracy, the local residents are the ones who have to determine their destiny and what is a very stark reality is that the locals do not want to be displaced from their land and want to continue working in their natural rustic environs. How can the government fast-track and bypass the wishes of the people? The SC and NGT must step in and bring about some clarity on the project. The deafening clamour of the locals will haunt Mopa for a long time.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
