PANJIM: A new controversy has erupted in the State over the naming of new Mopa International Airport ahead of its commissioning, with many demanding that it be named after Goa’s first Chief Minister late Bhausaheb Bandodkar and not after former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar as reported in some quarters.
However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the decision to name new airport will be taken by the Government of India. It is their right, he said.
Prominent people mostly Bandodkar ardent followers have called a meeting at Mapusa at 6 pm on Thursday, November 3 to press for their demand. They are of the strong opinion that it was late Dayanand Bandodkar popularly known as Bhausaheb, who laid the foundation for modern Goa after liberation and that it would be a fitting tribute to name the new Mopa international airport after late Bandodkar, who also represented the constituency from Pernem taluka.
Former Union Minister Ramakant Khalap has suggested that Mopa airport be named as Dayanand International Airport while, Dabolim airport be named Dr Jack De Sequeira International Airport and Goa University Complex be named Shashikala Kakodkar Knowledge City.
“We already have Manohar Parrikar Law School in Goa University as well as a Defence Research Institute in Delhi besides a mausoleum at Miramar. Canacona Highway is also named after Manohar Parrikar,” he said.
Khalap further suggested that Goa Medical College Complex, Bambolim may be named as Dr Wilfred De Souza Health City.
“In this year of 60th Anniversary of Goa’s liberation and 75th year of India's Independence let us remember Goa’s late Chief Ministers and Leaders of Opposition who contributed to Goa’s development in a substantial way and commemorate their memories in appropriate ways,” he said.