MAPUSA
The proposed Indian Racing Festival at the Goa Street Circuit near Manohar International Airport, Mopa, has triggered unease among local village panchayats, who say they have been completely kept in the dark about an event planned within or abutting their jurisdiction.
Tamboxem-Mopa-Ugvem Sarpanch Subodh Mahale has openly objected to the lack of communication, stating that the panchayat came to know about the high-profile motorsport event only through media reports.
“Nobody has officially informed us about this event or even explained where exactly it will be held. There should have been a proper dialogue with the local panchayat body before making such announcements,” Mahale said.
Expressing environmental concerns, Mahale warned that the panchayat would oppose the event if it infringes on village land or ecology.
“We will not allow it in our area. We do not want any destruction of the environment,” he asserted.
Mahale, however, clarified that if the racing festival is confined strictly within the airport premises, as claimed by the organisers and the government, then panchayat permission may not be legally required.
Even so, he insisted that transparency remains non-negotiable.
“All the same, we will seek details from the government. People from the village will ask questions, and we must be prepared with clear answers,” he said.
In neighbouring Varkhand-Nagzar village, Sarpanch Kavita Kambli said she was unaware of the proposed event.
“We were out of Goa for the last eight days and returned only on Tuesday. I have not heard anything about the racing festival,” Kambli said.
She added that the panchayat would deliberate internally before taking a stand.
“We will discuss the matter with other members and do whatever is in the best interest of the village and the people,” she said.
The controversy highlights a recurring grievance in Goa’s development narrative – decisions on large infrastructure, tourism and event-driven projects being taken without adequately consulting local self-governing bodies.
Village panchayats across the State have repeatedly complained of being informed only after plans are finalised, often through press releases rather than formal communication.
Critics argue that bypassing panchayats not only undermines constitutional decentralisation under the 73rd Amendment but also fuels mistrust, protests and delays.
While the government and event promoters project the Indian Racing Festival as a global spectacle that will boost tourism and place Goa on the international motorsport map, the absence of prior consultation has once again raised questions about governance, accountability and respect for local institutions.
