Mopa airport will affect western ghat ecology: NGO (ToI)

Mopa airport will affect western ghat ecology: NGO Paul Fernandes, TNN | Jun 8, 2013, 11.16 AM IST PANAJI: The haste in initiating land acquisition and other processes for setting up a second airport at Mopa without carrying out a mandatory environment impact assessment will have serious environmental implications for the region in the proximity of the western ghats, Goans for Dabolim only (GFDO), a NGO stated. "The rich biodiversity of this plateau forms a critical component of the ecology of this region, and hence the proposed airport will be an environmental disaster for Goa, and for the entire Western Ghats region," GFDO stated in a press note. The Mopa plateau slopes off towards five villages and provides water to the surrounding areas for agriculture and other activities. The Goa stretch of western ghats has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. "It is highly regrettable that the Goa government is blindly pushing ahead with this project which will uproot thousands of indigenous tribals, poor farmers and other helpless families," Fr Eremito Rebelo stated. GFDO criticized the likely displacement of the original inhabitants, who should be protected for their unique and invaluable culture. The take over of their traditional agricultural lands will destroy their way of life permanently, Rebelo added. GFDO called for a transparent public to clear up the people's serious misgivings regarding the huge enterprise, as the land being acquired for the airport comprises a huge chunk of Goa's land available for development. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Mopa-airport-will-affect-western-ghat-ecology-NGO/articleshow/20489708.cms