The 09th edition of the Defexpo India 2016 Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems biennial (even year ) exhibition organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation under the Ministry of Defence Govt of India is scheduled for 28 - 31 March 2016, for the first time in Goa at the Naqueri - Quitol plateau in Quepem Taluka of South Goa District. The earlier editions were held at the sprawling 72,000m2 Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. However owing to prospects of giving the Maidan a new look the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation under a MOU with the Ministry of Commerce Govt of India is planning a two phase (2017 to 2020 and later end 2030) in upgrading the Maidan. The Aero India show (of aerospace defence, civil aviation airport infrastructure) another biennial event the world’s second largest air show and aviation exhibition is held in Bengaluru Karnataka at the Air Force Station Yelahanka (AFSY). In 2011 Ministry of Civil Aviation cited difficulty in allowing the show as among other congestions , the closure of airspace was affecting Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) air traffic owing to its proximity to Yelahanka. Keeping in mind the stiff competition from Dubai Singapore and Lanqkawi air shows they began to scout for alternative venues 29th May 2012 . Puducherry –was discarded owing to short runway . In the report dated 09th July2012 both Udaipur in Rajasthan and Lucknow in UP (now Defence Ministers constituency) had 9000 odd runway but in Udaiour owing to a chimney it restricts the use of full runway besides that litigation over possession of land is uncertain Hence despite both being tourist destinations could only qualify for short term venues . It was finally decided that the upcoming green field airport at Mopa Pernem North Goa District would be considered as the permanent venue for joint Civil Aviation Air Shows and Aero India. Vide DO lt 25(6)02/DEO/Venue/DI-16/2818-F/RM/15 dt 12th June 2015 Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar requested Govt of Goa to “consider allotment of about 150 acres (60,000 mts) of land on the coastline which can accommodate 10000 ft runway along the coast so that a permanent venue for conduct of aero show and Defexpo can be set up. The venue would be developed as a modern and ideal exhibition /convention centre which would also add to the local economy in a significant manner “ Further to expedite matters, the letter states – “as the Defexpo 2016 is scheduled for Feb 2016 and time is very short, an early consideration in the matter would be appreciated” Without details of the project it was agreed in principle for allotment of land on temporary basis and later consider for permanent grant . But after “discussions” with Minister for Industries and Chairman of GIDC it was agreed to allot land from the total 8,83,576 acquired by GIDC in 24/09/2007 for the purpose for Quitol Industrial Estate on permanent basis. A letter No:11/6/2015-IND dt 7.7.2015 from Under Secretary( Industries) to Sec Defence Procurement New Delhi certifies the same. Resolution No:99/2015 of 344th GIDC Board meet dated 15th and 24th July, 2015 suggests condition to be added in MoU of fixed income to GIDC and a clause to repossess land in case the show is shifted elsewhere in future. On 12.10.2015 issues of road, electricity,state Disaster Management team, Police security, Medical support, Fire services and joint survey on 14.10.2015 from Balli junction was conducted. It is clearly seen while Committee recommended Mopa it was Raksha Mantri Mr Manohar Parrikar who selected Quitol as the permanent venue. This writer visited the site near the MLA Quepem residence and the "Ajoba " temple . Later while seeking details of the Def Expo 2016 via email dated 14th Feb 2016 with the Director Defence Exhibition Organisation Shri M D Singh got a telephonic reply that the organization was not looking for land but they only wanted a permanent venue for the Def Expo 2016 and if the locals do not wish to have it they would move elsewhere as other States were vying for the same. He also cited the example of Goa being declared as a permanent venue for the IFFI without any clamour for land by the Min of Information and Broadcasting Later again on 17th February 2016 Mr Singh who called up this writer again was informed that the MoD administration has lost its credibility with the locals for reasons cited below: a) There are no title documents with the MoD and yet it justifies its hold on 1687.51 acres of land at Dabolim civilian airport ; b) Govt of Goa handed over on 30 Nov 1987 an area of 338375 m2 land of Anjediv Island Canacona Taluka and condition therein clearly states that Navy may allow on the island celebrations of the two customary feasts subject to security conditions the Navy since 2004 Oct denied access to the island and then declared it in 2014 as a “prohibited place” . The two structures are also reported to be in partial ruins c) The MoD administration have not handed over land in the heart of Panaji back to the Govt of Goa. d) The MoD administration has also staked its claim for two Islands Grande and Pequeno (Bat ) Islands off the Baina Beach under changing security scenario in the country e) The firing range at Cavelossim Salcete South Goa District has also been declared out of bounds for locals causing resentment; The present Union Minister for Defence Mr Manohar Parrikar had as CM of Goa vowed not to part with a) any inch of scarce land to the Defence administration b) is still pursuing the issue at Anjediv and c) the return of land at Panaji Hence the above move comes as a surprise.Apparently in hind sight political expediency outweighed economic consideration . Meanwhile it is learnt that access for the Def expo general visitors in restricted only for the last date with valid photo identification card and rights of admission reserved even as the fee is Rs.1150/- per person. With elections to the State Assembly in December, 2016 or before February 2017 the present Government will only have to succumb to making Goa a permanent venue and indirectly scarce land given to the MoD. The land acquired for an Industrial Estate should ideally serve the purpose for which it was acquired.. No one denies that the event enhances the prestige of the nation but if larger and not tiny State was chosen for this venture it would have been ideal they argue.
I GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [email protected]
