Now, Pernem locals demand cancellation of Formula 4 event

Mapusa: After Mormugao, now Pernem locals have opposed the Indian Racing Festival, the Formula 4 event scheduled in the vicinity of the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, on Feb 14-15.

They are demanding the event be cancelled. The racing event was shifted to Mopa from Mormugao due to opposition by the locals there.The Goa Kul Mundkar Sanghatana, on Friday, staged a symbolic ‘dharna’ at Gandhi Udyan in Pernem to oppose the event. Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Pernem deputy collector, warning of a legal battle if the event is not scrapped.Advocate Jitendra Gaonkar alleged that Goa lacks the authority to host commercial races on land acquired specifically for public utility (airport).

Protesters claim this violates the original intent of land acquisition. “The hosting of a private event violates the concession agreement with GMR,” Gaonkar said.Coordinator of Goa Kul Mundkar Sanghatana, Dipesh Naik, accused govt of “cheating” local farmers. “Land acquired at low rates has seen a 100% increase, but locals remain excluded from jobs and project partnerships,” Dipesh Naik said.Tamboxem-Mopa-Ugvem sarpanch, Subodh Mahale, slammed the secretive planning, stating the panchayat was never consulted. He warned of staunch opposition if village ecology is affected. Activists said the proposed circuit near fuel storage tanks poses a fire and explosion risk.