Daijiworld Media Network- Vasco

Vasco, Jun 20: Serious safety and legal concerns have erupted in South Goa after the All Goa Excavator Owners Association raised objections to an ongoing construction project within the funnel zone of Dabolim Airport, a critical airspace path used by landing aircraft.

The association has questioned the legitimacy of approvals allegedly granted by the South Goa Collector’s office to a Delhi-based project proponent, accusing authorities of ignoring aviation safety norms and violating land use regulations.

Association President Avinash Bhobe expressed alarm upon discovering that excavation and hill-cutting works had resumed at the site, despite prior objections and an earlier stop-work order issued by the local Panchayat. "We were in great shock to see full-fledged activity resuming. When we questioned the contractor, we were told that they had fresh permissions from the Collector’s office, claiming that the hill-cutting was within legal limits," said Bhobe.

Bhobe voiced strong concern over the proximity of the construction to Dabolim Airport’s landing path, highlighting the potential threat to aviation safety. He also criticised the absence of necessary Naval approvals, especially considering the land’s location within a sensitive flight funnel zone.

"The barren Comunidade land was preserved with care for years. Now, with a Delhi-based party conducting hill-cutting and plotting activities, we fear this may compromise both safety and legality. Granting permissions in this sensitive zone is unacceptable, especially in light of recent tragedies like the Air India crash," Bhobe said.

Adding to the opposition, Sancoale Communidade attorney Jayesh Fadte confirmed that the land in question is classified as afframent land, designated for agriculture and cultivation. "This land belongs to the Sancoale Communidade and cannot be repurposed for construction under current laws. We will take legal steps to challenge this move," he asserted.

Fadte cited recent regulations passed by the Goa government that strictly prohibit changing the use of agricultural Comunidade lands. He further added that they will be consulting with a senior legal expert to protect the land and ensure it is utilised in accordance with the law.

As the controversy intensifies, citizens and local associations are urging the authorities to reconsider the permissions granted, calling for immediate intervention to prevent potential disasters and uphold the sanctity of protected land and aviation zones.