STOP THE AVIATION HUB AT QUITOL–BETUL PLATEAU, GOA

We, the citizens of Goa, strongly oppose the proposed aviation and aero-sports hub planned at the Quitol–Betul Plateau.The Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (Goa-IPB) has reportedly granted in-principle approval to M/s Skydiving Adventures Pvt. Ltd. for a large project including skydiving, aviation training, drone manufacturing, and hospitality infrastructure across 2.45 lakh sq. metres of plateau land.
Goa-IPB has also recommended a staggering power release of 3000 KVA o power and 3.5 KLD of water for this project. Diverting such massive public resources to a single private entity for any purpose is unjustifiable-especially when Goa faces growing concerns about water availability and energy demand.

QUITOL-BETUL PLATEAU IS NOT WASTELAND
It is a fragile lateritic plateau ecosystem that supports:

• 193 bird species recorded through citizen-science platforms like eBird and iNaturalist, including 9 Near Threatened and 2 Vulnerable species under the IUCN Red List, and 18 Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Mammals such as the Golden Jackal recorded from the plateau
• Seasonal endemic plants, including ground orchids and specialised plateau flora
• Reptiles, insects, and invertebrates uniquely adapted to rocky terrain

Lateritic plateaus are globally recognised as rare ecosystems that take decades to recover once damaged.

CRITICAL WATER RECHARGE ZONE
The porous laterite rock acts as a natural sponge during the monsoon, recharging groundwater for nearby villages such as Quitol, Betul, and Naqueri. Large-scale aviation infrastructure will permanently damage this recharge system and worsen future water scarcity.

THE IMPACT OF THE PROJECT

• Habitat destruction from construction and vehicle movement
• Noise disturbance to wildlife
• Soil compaction and loss of seasonal plant diversity
• Light, plastic, and infrastructure pollution
• Permanent loss of an irreplaceable ecosystem

OUR DEMANDS

1. Immediate revocation of the in-principle approval granted in the 40th Goa-IPB Board meeting (23-12-2025) to M/s Skydiving Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
2. A comprehensive, independent Environmental Impact Assessment before any approvals by Goa Industrial Development Corporation and Goa State Pollution Control Board, with all permissions kept on hold.
3. Formal recognition of Quitol-Betul Plateau as a Biodiversity Heritage Site to protect it from industrial and commercial development.
   This plateau is part of Goa’s natural heritage. Once destroyed, it cannot be restored.

The CEO of Goa-IPB, Mr. Asvin Chandru, has stated that a proclamation inviting public objections will be issued soon. Let us raise our voices now.

Sign this petition to protect Quitol-Betul Plateau.

Amchem Goem, Amkam Zai!
Save Quitol. Save Betul. Save Our Plateaus.