Team Goemkarponn
PERNEM: A group of residents and activists from Pernem has decided to approach the High Court to challenge the State government’s plan to host the “Goa Street Race” at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa. The protesters have described the event as an “illegal and poorly planned” use of airport land for a commercial motorsport.
The decision was made during a meeting at Dhargal on Sunday, where members of the Kul Mundkar Sangathana and other concerned citizens expressed frustration over the government’s lack of response to a formal representation submitted over a week ago.
Attempts to contact the Chief Minister’s Office and the State Civil Aviation Department reportedly went unanswered, leaving the residents with no option but to seek judicial recourse.
Pernem resident Bhaskar Narolkar said, “We had clearly highlighted the risks and shortcomings of holding this event at the airport, but there has been no response. This compelled us to consult legal experts and move the High Court.”
Narolkar emphasized that the proposed Indian Racing Festival violates the concession agreement with GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL). He noted that the land was acquired specifically to establish an international airport for public use, and that using it for a private racing event constitutes unauthorised commercial exploitation and breaches public trust.
The residents also voiced concerns over traffic disruption, warning that the event could bring movement across Pernem taluka to a standstill. They criticized the government’s priorities, pointing out that long-standing demands for healthcare, employment, and infrastructure remain unaddressed, while over ₹56 crore of public funds is reportedly being spent on a two-day racing event that offers little benefit to locals.
Narolkar added, “The people of Pernem gain nothing from this event. It is being pushed through at the expense of residents’ safety, convenience, and public money.”
As part of their campaign, the Kul Mundkar Sangathana plans to hold a one-day dharna on February 5, followed by the submission of a memorandum to the Deputy Collector of Pernem. They also intend to conduct awareness meetings across the taluka to mobilise public opinion against the race.
The Formula 4 event, which was earlier moved out of Mormugao following public opposition, is now scheduled to take place at the Mopa airport circuit on February 14 and 15.
