Goa govt oppressing farmers over land for Mopa airport: Samiti

Farmers in Mopa in North Goa, whose lands are in the process of being acquired for the proposed Greenfield airport, today alleged that they are being oppressed by the state government and leaders cutting across political lines on the issue.
Mopa Vimantall Piditt Xetkari Samiti, a body of farmers protesting against the acquisition of land for the proposed international airport, today said that the local farmers would turn landless due to the project.
"The government is pushing the acquisition process very hurriedly, even though it is being debated hotly by the public and ignoring the fact that it is a sub-judice matter," Samiti convenor Sandip Kambli told reporters here.

"Whether it is Congress or BJP, everyone is eyeing for our land for their own benefit. The farmers are facing oppression by the politicians as well as the state government," he alleged.
According to Kambli, the farmers are not willing to part with their lands which has been the only means of income for them since ages.
The plateau where the airport is proposed has 40 lakh cashew trees, thousands of fruit bearing trees and abundant water, he said.

Goa government is in the final stages of acquiring 79 lakh square metres of land for the project.
"However, the state government is yet to apply for Environment Clearance from union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) for the project," Kambli claimed.

Goa already has Dabolim airport, a facility which is maintained by the Indian Navy. "But, no study has been conducted by the government whether a second airport is really needed in our tiny state," he said.