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CM soothes fears over DefExpo
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Says Expo on trial basis this year; Land will be with Goa govt
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THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
With the agitation against the DefExpo on the Betul-Naqueri plateau gaining momentum with each passing day, Chief Minister, Laxmikant Parsekar on Sunday sought to allay apprehensions of the local populace by reassuring that the Expo will be held in Goa on a trial basis this year, promising to review the project next year depending on its success.
Using the Konkan railway platform to explain the government stand on the DefExpo at Margao on Sunday evening, the chief minister also clarified that the Goa government has not leased out the acquired land to the defence ministry till date. He asserted that the land in question will remain with the Goa government, clarifying that the land will not be given to the defence ministry.
Accusing certain people for raking up a row on the DefExpo, Parsekar said “this project is not something new to the country. It was earlier held in Delhi and Bangalore alternatively. The project is sought to be held in Goa as the Defence Minister hails from the State. The DefExpo does not mean that land will be given to the defence ministry”.
Referring to statements in certain quarters, questioning the government’s rationale to hand over Goa’s scarce land to the defence ministry, Parsekar reminded all and sundry that he is the State’s CM and that it is his prime responsibility to protect Goa’s land and identity.
“The DefEexpo will be only for three days, but we have asked the defence ministry to extend the event by two days so that local youth and people also enjoy the benefit. It will create infrastructure in term of 600 stalls, of which 50 per cent will be occupied by foreign countries”, he said, adding “the expo is being held on a trial basis. If it is successful this year, the government will give its approval next year also”.
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Velim gram sabha
opposes Def-Expo
: The gram sabha of Velim panchayat on Sunday joined the bandwagon in opposing the DefExpo proposed on the IDC-acquired land.
Members demanded that Sarpanch Melvyn Sanches dispatch a copy of the resolution to the government for consideration and action.
The issue was raised by Vinay Tari, who contended that the huge DefExpo in the neighbouring village will adversely affect activities of traditional fishermen and other stake holders of Velim village as well. He demanded to know why the sarpanch had failed to send a copy of the earlier resolution adopted by the panchayat.
