Links growing resentment to 'airport debacle' in taluka
MAPUSA
Former tourism minister and ex-Dhargalim MLA Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar has urged the State government to take local residents into confidence before hosting the proposed racing event at Mopa, warning that lack of consultation could lead to public resentment and protests.
Reacting to the government’s plan to host a high-profile racing event near the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Ajgaonkar said while Goa needs big events to promote tourism, it is equally important that people living in the area are informed and consulted well in advance.
“Whenever the government wants to hold a big project or an event of two or three days, it should take the local people into confidence before they get agitated and come on the road,” Ajgaonkar said.
He clarified that he was not opposed to large-scale events, including motorsport events, if they help boost tourism.
However, he stressed that proper studies and local consultations were essential, especially for events like racing that could have environmental, social and economic impacts.
“There is no issue in holding events of two or three days, as it is important for tourism. But when you are getting an event such as racing, it is important to take locals into confidence. A study has to be done to see whether it will benefit the locals and what damage it could cause. I think neither the private organiser nor the government has taken the locals into confidence,” he said.
The proposed racing event is planned to be held near the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, with the government projecting it as a major tourism and international sporting attraction for Goa.
The event is expected to draw national and international attention and is part of a broader push to host large-scale events in the State.
Raising questions over who stands to benefit from such events, Ajgaonkar asked whether local panchayats would receive any revenue or economic advantage.
“Will the panchayats get any income? How are these events announced without even informing the locals?” he questioned.
Ajgaonkar also linked the growing resentment to what he described as the “airport debacle” in Pernem taluka. He said despite the government acquiring a large tract of land for the Mopa airport, local residents have not benefited in terms of employment or revenue.
“We have brought a big project like the airport to Pernem taluka and have been ditched. Such a huge parcel of land has been given, but the people have not benefited in any way,” he said, adding that this has left people in Pernem upset and wary of new projects.
He cautioned the government against repeating the same mistakes.
“The Chief Minister should think carefully when bringing such projects or events, take people into confidence and then move ahead. It is not right to hurt the feelings of the people,” he said.
Ajgaonkar warned that across Goa, people are increasingly taking to the streets to oppose projects that are announced without consultation.
“Before people come on the road, the government should inform and involve local residents. That is the right way forward,” he said.
