July 29 – GMR has sought time to develop the 693 acres Green belt with native tree species covering the entire periphery of the Mopa airport, CM Pramod Sawant informed the House today. “They have asked for time , we have given them time,” said Sawant. Supreme Court had issued directions to GMR in this regards. Sawant informed that 10 times compensatory plantation as mandated by the apex court has already been done by planting 5.5 lakh saplings. Their survival rate is monitored and mortality is replenished by the Goa State Bio Diversity Board, he added. Opposition also raised the issue of compensation to the land losers. Govt has acquired 2100 acres land for the Mopa Airport Project.
