Cite 'illegal' use of airport land for commercial motorsport event
File photo of tyres being stacked as barrier for the upcoming Formula 4 race.
MAPUSA
A group of residents and activists from Pernem has decided to move the High Court against the State government’s decision to host the “Goa Street Race” at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, escalating opposition to what they term an “illegal and ill-conceived” use of airport land for a commercial motorsport event.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at Dhargal on Sunday, where members of the Kul Mundkar Sangathana and other like-minded citizens expressed anger over the government’s failure to respond to a formal representation submitted more than a week ago.
The residents said repeated attempts to reach the Chief Minister’s Office and the State Civil Aviation Department had drawn no response, leaving them with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
“We had written to the government clearly listing deficiencies and risks involved in holding such an event at the airport, but there has been complete silence. This forced us to consult legal experts and approach the High Court,” said Pernem resident Bhaskar Narolkar.
Narolkar said the proposed Indian Racing Festival violates the concession agreement signed with GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL).
He pointed out that the land was acquired by the government strictly for the purpose of establishing an international airport as a public utility.
“Using airport premises for a private racing event amounts to unauthorised commercial exploitation of acquired land and a breach of public trust,” he said.
Residents also raised serious concerns over traffic disruptions, warning that the event would effectively paralyse movement across Pernem taluka. They questioned the government’s priorities, noting that long-pending demands related to healthcare facilities, employment opportunities and basic infrastructure in the taluka remain unmet, while over ₹56 crore of public funds is reportedly being spent on a two-day racing event that offers no tangible benefit to locals.
“The people of Pernem gain nothing from this event. It is being pushed through at the cost of residents’ convenience, safety and public resources,” Narolkar said.
As part of the agitation, the Kul Mundkar Sangathana has announced a one-day dharna on February 5, followed by submission of a memorandum to the Deputy Collector of Pernem.
The group has also decided to hold a series of awareness meetings across the taluka to mobilise public opinion against the event.
The Formula 4 race, which was earlier shifted out of Mormugao following public opposition, is now scheduled to be held at the Mopa airport circuit on February 14 and 15.
