MAPUSA
As the State gears up to host the Indian Racing Festival 2026 at Manohar International Airport (Mopa) this February, the mood on the ground in Pernem taluka tells a very different story.
Far from excitement or anticipation, large sections of the local population remain unaware that a high-profile Formula 4 street race is scheduled to take place in their midst. For many residents, the so-called “mega event” is either a non-entity or a source of quiet anxiety – raising questions about public consultation, safety, land use and the very purpose for which the airport was built.
Event unknown to many locals
In Pernem municipal area, Dinesh Goankar, who runs a small general store, had not even heard of the racing event when asked about it. “What is this race about? Who is going to take part? Where is it being held?” he asked, visibly puzzled.
A short distance away, a student from a prominent higher secondary school in Pernem appeared equally unaware. “I am sorry, I didn’t know any racing event was happening in our village. Will we be allowed to watch it?” the student asked eagerly.
Not everyone was willing to engage. Businessman Sitaram Naik from Virnoda dismissed the subject altogether. “How will we benefit from this racing event? Let them hold it wherever they want. I am not interested,” he said tersely.
Such responses point to a broader sentiment in Pernem: indifference mixed with resignation. Unlike in other parts of Goa where large projects often spark loud protests, resistance here has so far been muted – something critics say is less about acceptance and more about exclusion.
A project ‘dumped’ in Pernem?
Among the better-informed residents of Pernem taluka, however, the racing event is being viewed through a more critical lens. “There is a feeling that what could not be pushed through elsewhere is being dumped in Pernem,” said a local activist, echoing a concern heard repeatedly during ground interactions.
The Formula 4 race was earlier proposed in Mormugao but had to be dropped following strong local opposition. Its relocation to Mopa has raised suspicions about whether Pernem was chosen precisely because of its perceived silence.
Mandrem resident Prasad Shapurkar has emerged as one of the more vocal critics of the event. He argues that the race offers little to the people of Pernem beyond fleeting spectacle.
“How will this benefit villagers? It is only entertainment – and that too for the filthy rich. We want sustainable development, not temporary entertainment,” Shapurkar said.
He stressed that even if the race is technically held within airport land, it is still located in Pernem taluka and locals have every right to question it. “If we don’t raise our voice, the government will assume Pernem has no voice and keep dumping projects rejected elsewhere,” he warned.
Why the silence?
Addressing the apparent quiet among locals, Shapurkar rejected the notion that Pernem has accepted the event. “Many people are quiet because they don’t know what the event is about. Others fear harassment by those in power. Some are in government service and prefer to stay silent,” he said.
This view is shared by social worker Venkatesh Naik of Torxem, who believes silence has become a worrying pattern in Pernem. “Whenever something wrong happens, people hesitate to protest. They are scared of consequences,” said Naik, who has been at the forefront of the campaign for full-fledged status for Tuem Government Hospital.
He added that routing government schemes and jobs through MLAs has created a dependency that discourages dissent.
“If you have to approach politicians for basic work, how will you speak against them?” he asked.
Panchayats kept out of the loop
Even elected representatives at the village level claim they were not consulted.
Vasant Naik, a member of the Varkhand-Nagzar village panchayat, questioned the logic of hosting an event that brings no revenue to the local body. “If the event does not harm the village, fine. But the panchayat is getting nothing. If people oppose it, we will stand with them,” he said, hinting at growing discontent over secrecy.
Beyond questions of benefit and consultation lies a more serious issue: the legality of hosting a motorsport event inside an operational international airport. Several residents argue that land acquired for airport purposes cannot be diverted for entertainment activities. Some have raised national security concerns, questioning how such an event has been cleared by aviation authorities.
Violations flagged
Dnyaneshwar Varak, a resident of Casarvernem, Pernem, has formally written to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation Ministry, DGCA, AAI and other authorities opposing the Goa Street Race at Mopa airport.
More than a week later, he says, he has received no response. As a concerned citizen, Varak has alleged violations of airport safety norms and the Concession Agreement between the Goa government and GMR Goa International Airport Ltd (GGIAL).
“The agreement permits the concessionaire to operate solely for airport-related purposes. Hosting a commercial street race is an ultra vires act and an unauthorised change in land use,” Varak said.
He flagged risks from road closures, high-speed racing near aviation fuel infrastructure, disruption of airport traffic, and security lapses. “The airport cannot be converted into a high-risk entertainment venue,” he warned, calling for an immediate stay, disclosure of permissions and an independent safety and legal review.
Opposition is also hardening on the ground. Pernem resident Jitendra Goankar said locals are prepared to explore all avenues, including legal recourse. “The question is whether GMR even has the authority to permit such an event. A government cannot do whatever it wants. This is also about national security,” he said.
Opposition gathers steam
Like-minded residents have called for a public meeting on Sunday, February 1, to chart out the future course of action. According to Uday Mahale of Casarvernem, land acquired for an airport cannot be repurposed for entertainment events. “Tomorrow they may even propose a casino inside the airport. Where does it stop?” he asked.
Retired government officer Bhaskar Narolkar of Chandel also questioned the logic of investing heavily in temporary infrastructure. “The government is spending crores for a two-day event. What happens after that? Why waste money on such lopsided development?” he asked.
Infra work begins, traffic woes loom
Heavy machinery at work as existing roads are modified and new lanes carved out at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, ahead of the proposed racing event. Pics: Agnelo Pereira
Spare tyres are stacked along an internal road at Mopa airport to serve as crash barriers ahead of the proposed racing event. Pic: Agnelo PereiraEven as opposition simmers, preparations are underway inside the airport premises. Heavy machinery has been deployed to modify existing roads, while spare tyres have been stacked to serve as crash barriers.
Sources say the tentative race route runs from the passenger terminal building to the Mopa police station, via parking and cargo terminal areas, proceeding to Mopa Link Circle and taxi parking zones.
In a related development, the Mopa link road is likely to be shut to normal airport traffic from February 13 to 15, with vehicles diverted via Nagzar. Locals fear massive traffic congestion on narrow village roads, potentially delaying air passengers. The situation could worsen due to ongoing flyover work at Dhargalim, where long traffic jams are already common during peak hours.
Tourism push vs local reality
The two-day Indian Racing Festival will take place on February 14 and 15 at the Goa Street Circuit inside Mopa airport. It is the next round of the Formula 4 championship after Coimbatore. The 2-km circuit, organisers say, is designed to offer a “visual spectacle.”
The total cost is estimated at Rs 175 crore, with the Goa government contributing Rs 55 crore. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has backed the event, saying it showcases Goa’s ability to host world-class events and boosts tourism. Critics counter that any economic benefit will largely accrue to hotels along the coastal belt, with little trickle-down effect for Pernem.
A familiar pattern?
As murmurs of protest grow in Pernem, the unfolding debate reflects a familiar Goa story – of development decisions taken without adequate consultation, of spectacle trumping substance and of peripheral regions bearing the burden of projects rejected elsewhere.
Whether Pernem remains silent or finds its voice in the coming days may determine not just the fate of the racing event, but how future projects are pushed through this quiet corner of Goa.
