I understand that the Calangute MLA Michael Lobo is backing the second airport at MOPA. Can I request him to first get his BJP government to address the following on priority: 1) Come out with a white paper on MOPA to present a good case for the airport; 2) Get the government to first adhere to its election promises on Special Status for Goa’s land, environment, identity and the Regional Plan. It’s really suspicious that the BJP government is doing a U-turn on its promises. Instead fulfilling the promises, it’s going for MOPA airport which was never on the election manifesto; 3) Currently, tourism in Goa can’t be managed. It is in a complete mess; can we first see how the current tourist inflow is managed via a proper plan and then think of expansion of tourism? 4) Suggest to his BJP government to ask the Centre to move the Navy out. Goa is too small and does not have the luxury of giving up land for another airport.
Arwin Mesquita, Benaulim
