PANAJI
The petitioners have said the event is being held without without conducting any study and without appraising the local local residents of the risks involved.
The petition will come up for hearing on Wednesday ahead of the DefExpo which begins next Monday.
The OPA has stated in the petition that the activities at the event involve high level of risk. “This risk applies equally to local residents, putting their lives in danger. Apparently, the locals have been kept in the dark about the risk factor involved, “ it noted.
The petitioner also pointed to notings which have revealed that the matter was initially discussed by the Chief Secretary with the CM on June 24 last year and it was left to the Managing Director of Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation to put up a proposal.
“One would expect that an event of the magnitude of DefExpo having a high level of technical needs require proper technical studies and research. Notings point out that MD of GIDC put up a proposal the same day opining that the organisation of the said event would ‘add to the economy’ of the state in multiple ways,” OPA stated.
It also pointed out that consents under the Air Act, Water Act and Environment (Protection) Act have not been obtained. Also, necessary compliances under the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, Town & Country Planning Act and the Development Regulations in force have not been obtained, it added. OPA has sought that the court quash and set aside the allotment of land for DefExpo DefExpo and Aero India and provide the petitioner all details, including the project report and all activities proposed under DefExpo 2016 before commencement of
the event.
