Land, development and resistance: An issue of Mopa International Airport

Abstract

The changing development paradigm in the post-reform period brought along with growth new challenges and concerns. The pressure on land, the question of rehabilitation and resettlement, environmental degradation, growing inequalities are some such concerns. The mega projects initiated by both Central as well as State government are putting pressure on land and threatening the livelihood of people and environment. Goa is not immune to such developments. The article is concerned with the process of land acquisition to build international airport in Goa and in the course of action affecting environment and livelihood of people. The article argues while such acquisition is necessary for development, its success depends upon consultation with stakeholders prior to such decisions and well thought out compensation and rehabilitation packages which are lacking in the process of land acquisition.