NGO condemns Mopa land allotment to defence ministry

Opposing the Union defence ministry's latest plan to acquire five acres of grounds near Mopa airport and labelling the move as 'land grabbing', a local NGO on Wednesday said allocating land to the ministry not only restricts citizens' access to such locations, but also poses a threat to those residing nearby.

The defence ministry, headed by former Goa CM Manohar Parikkar, had earlier asked for five acres of land at Mopa, near the site for the proposed airport, to set up an enclave to accommodate the Navy, sparking off a debate in the process.

"Citizens will no longer have access to all parts of the land at Mopa, if it is allotted to the Navy. Why is so much Goan property going out to defence?" demanded local activist Tara Kerkar. She further lamented that residents who could earlier go to nearby locations for a leisurely stroll or travel to all parts of the state, can no longer do so due to security restrictions.
Kerkar also expressed concerns regarding the health and safety of those living close to the enclave. "Homes in low lying areas are at a risk of catching fire in case any explosives are dispatched."
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