PANAJI
More than a year and half after the operation of Goa's second international airport-Manohar International Airport at Mopa, the State government has decided to undertake a detailed study to ascertain the environmental impact of the airport operations, within 10 kilometres of its radius.
The government will also undertake the socio-economic impact study to understand how the airport has benefited the local population.
After initial delay due to legal battles and Covid-19 pandemic, the airport commenced operations on January 5, 2023 -- almost a month after its inauguration in December 2022. Initially, it catered to domestic routes and international flights were added last July. In 2023 Mopa airport handled 4.2 million passengers. The airport now accounts for over 36 per cent of all traffic to/from the State.
The official in the Civil Aviation department confirmed that the government intends to undertake a research study through a reputed accredited institution about the environmental impact within the radius of 10 kms of the airport, during the operational phase. “The study will be for a period of three years with submission of six monthly reports. We want to commence and complete the study before the airport goes for further expansion- Phase II, as proposed,” Official said.
The Official said that apart from undertaking the study of socio-economic impact pursuant to the development of the new airport, the government is also planning to establish a Special Cell for monitoring of local employment opportunities and recruitments for our Goan youths within various establishments or wings of the airport.
The Official said that a survivability study of over 25,000 samplings that were planted, as a part of compensatory afforestation in lieu of trees felled for the airport, will be also undertaken through Goa State Biodiversity Board.
The greenfield airport has a capacity of 4.4 million in the first phase and the same will increase to 8 million in the second phase and gradually to 33 million tonnes by end of phase 4. Currently, the airport handles around 100 aircraft movements and 15,000 passengers daily.
Constructed over a 9.20 square kms plateau area, spanning across six villages of Pernem, the airport was in the middle of controversy since it was first proposed in 2000 with locals fearing destruction of forest, vegetation, agriculture land and ground water table.
