MAPUSA
The Opposition fiercely criticised the government in the House for accommodating GMR, the developers of Mopa International Airport, by granting a seven-month additional revenue holiday.
The Goa Forward Party leader and Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai, highlighted that this decision has cost the State Rs 207 crore.
Sardesai explained that, according to a statement presented by GMR for the 2024-25 financial year, the company's projected revenue is Rs 960 crore. With the Goa government's revenue share at 36.99 per cent, the State stands to lose approximately Rs 207 crore due to the extended revenue holiday granted to GMR.
"The cabinet's decision to extend the revenue holiday to GMR has resulted in a loss of Rs 207 crore to the State government. This is the only cabinet in the country that takes decisions resulting in government losses," Sardesai asserted.
He questioned the justification provided by the government, which cited the pandemic and a court case for the extension, noting that the airport was closed for only 20 days during the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the cabinet note.
Sardesai also brought attention to the environmental commitments that GMR has failed to fulfil. According to Supreme Court directives, GMR was required to create a green belt spanning 693 acres around the airport with native tree species, in collaboration with the forest department. However, Sardesai revealed that an RTI reply from the department indicated no knowledge of such developments.
"After one and a half years since the airport began operations at Mopa, there is no sign of the green belt, which violates the Supreme Court's directions. We will inform the Supreme Court about this violation," Sardesai warned.
He further criticised the government for allowing GMR to begin earning revenue from the airport while the people of Pernem, who lost their land for the project, have yet to be compensated. "The government is indifferent to Goans. Families who suffered during the lockdown and lost loved ones to COVID-19 have not been compensated. Why is there so much favouritism towards GMR?" he questioned.
Sardesai mentioned that he has written to the Prime Minister’s Office and will pursue the matter at various levels.
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira also condemned the developers for failing to adhere to the Supreme Court's directions regarding the green belt. He pointed out that the absence of the green belt has led to mud washing down into the villages, which could have been prevented.
Ferreira criticised the State government for not supervising and ensuring the developers followed the court's orders. "If the government is lethargic, it is also liable for contempt of court," Ferreira stated.
