the goan I network
MARGAO
The Goans For Dabolim Only (GFDO) has said the government has no moral right to proceed with the construction of the Mopa airport when as many as three cases against the proposed airport are pending before the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
GFDO also disclosed plans to call on Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to hand over a copy of a memorandum with a plea to scrap the airport. GFDO convenor Fr Eremito Rebelo told the media on Saturday that the NGO had expected some semblance of integrity and commitment from TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai to his own cause, saying Sardesai’s lack of conviction and courage to stand by the cause he once so ardently espoused, was a grave let down and a serious disappointment to GFDO and the people of Goa. “Despite this setback, we the people remain steadfast and committed to Goa and her welfare. The fight continues. The cases are ongoing. Ultimately, the truth will prevail,” Fr Eremito asserted.
He said that although Sardesai agreed fully with all the issues raised in the GFDO memorandum handed to him, he seemed to believe that the land acquisition for the project was complete and therefore it was too late to do anything to rectify this Himalayan blunder. “This was perplexing indeed, given the fact that the local BJP MLA Babu Azgaonkar himself has admitted that his government has not meted justice to many land owners, who are still struggling to get their land back,” he said.
“He was also unaware that the NGT had stayed removal of the Dhangars from the plateau until completion of the cases. With past experiences of issues like Meta Strips and SEZ, Vijai Sardesai should have surely known that land acquisition does not give immunity to any illegal and environmentally destructive project,” he added.
Fr Eremito said that going by his past statements in the Legislative Assembly on the Dual Airport issue, there is no doubt that Vijai Sardesai fully understands the irreversible and seriously damaging implications of the Mopa Airport for Goa and Goans. Today, in an astounding and shocking U turn, as TCP Minister he is quite willing to preside over a Regional Plan that has the once repugnant Mopa Airport as its basis and central focus. “Of course, for the unfortunate Goan community, Vijai Sardesai’s distressing U-turn is just the latest in a long saga of political betrayals foisted upon them. Does Vijai Sardesai need to be reminded of his response to the reported statements of Mr Parrikar at an election meeting in Sindhudurg? At that time, Sardesai had called upon all MLAs supporting the Mopa Airport to shift to Maharashtra.”
Sardesai had then also demanded the resignation of those Salcete MLAs who were ignoring the repeated demands made by people in their constituencies and supporting the BJP,” he said.
