Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Jan 28: The Goa Kul Mundkar Sangarsh Samiti has strongly opposed the proposed Indian Racing Festival at the Manohar International Airport in Mopa, calling for its immediate cancellation amid growing resentment among farmers and local residents.

Addressing a press interaction, members of the Samiti alleged that landowners were misled during the acquisition process for the Mopa airport and that several affected farmers are still awaiting fair compensation. They claimed that the grievances of locals have remained unresolved even years after their land was taken for the project.

Samiti member Dipesh Naik said many farmers have either received inadequate compensation or none at all. He accused the government of prioritising luxury developments and entertainment events over addressing the concerns of those who sacrificed their land. “Farmers were cheated. Some have not been paid to this day, and now the same land is being talked about for five-star hotels and racing festivals,” he said.

Naik further alleged that plans are underway to introduce gaming facilities and other commercial ventures in the airport area. He warned that locals would not allow what he termed “unnecessary events” at the airport premises and said the government should return the land to farmers if it insists on such activities. He suggested that the festival could instead be organised in areas like Sanquelim or Valpoi.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant had recently announced that the Indian Racing Festival is scheduled to take place on February 14 and 15 at the Mopa airport. However, the Samiti said the decision ignores widespread opposition in Pernem taluka, where the airport is located.

Executive member Santosh Mandrekar pointed out that the event was earlier proposed in Mormugao but was dropped following public protests. Questioning the government’s approach, he asked why controversial projects are repeatedly shifted from one location to another. “Does the government believe that people in Pernem will accept what others rejected?” he said.

Mandrekar asserted that residents of Pernem are firmly against the racing event and accused the government of betraying local communities during the airport land acquisition. He criticised the lack of transparency and said villagers should be clearly informed rather than having events imposed on them without consultation.

Samiti executive member Narayan Gadekar and farmers’ committee member Suresh were also present during the press interaction, lending support to the demand for scrapping the proposed festival.