TEAM HERALD
CORTALIM: Stating that his government was committed to protect the interest of Goans as a whole, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the existing Dabolim airport and the proposed airport at Mopa would co-exist as both were necessary to handle passengers coming to Goa in future.
Speaking at the inauguration of 10-MLD water filtration plant at Cuelim in Cortalim constituency, Parrikar said that he would further modernise the Dabolim Airport so that the livelihood of taxi drivers and others are not adversely affected.
Speaking further, Parrikar said that there has been a deliberate attempt to confuse the people on RFQ.
“Some people have misinterpreted RFQ as Request for Quotation which is wrong. It is request for qualification,” Parrikar stated.
Justifying the RFQ, Parrikar said “that the proposed Mopa airport which will cost Rs 3,000 crore will require people who are financially sound and also the requisite expertise. My government will never tender the works without the EIA,” assured Parrikar.
Hitting at ‘outsiders’ for giving lessons to Goans, Parrikar said one distant relative of his, also having Parrikar surname, living in US for several years is suggesting that two airports are not feasible for Goa.
“But he has not realised that the place he lives in US has seven airports within a radius of 10 kms,” he said and in a sarcastic manner said that Goans have many advisers who are outsiders.
Parrikar also said that he would hold two or there meetings in the State to inform Goans on the need for two airports once all the issues are settled. Touching on mining, Parrikar said: “Mines have to start whether we like it or not. I also agree that mining is bad, but how will the people survive. Don’t we require steel? From where will the steel come without mining? The adverse causes of mining ban had its effect even in Vasco with barges and boatmen also suffering.”
Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho and Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco had a word of praise for Manohar Parrikar for development works.
