With reference to page 9 on the EIA, it shows 14 million passenger projection as of 2044 so my questions:
(1) On what basis are such inflated projections made to 14 million in 2044? We are less than 4 million now? We can’t manage with numbers now and how will we manage for 14 million and does Goa needs such high numbers is another question?
(2) Dabolim capacity is approx. 9 million which shows we are fine until 2030? So, what will happen when Mopa is commissioned in 2016? How will 2 airports sustain until 2030? Why do we need a new airport when we have not even reached 50 percent capacity?
(3) There is space available for more expansion? So will things not change closer to 2030 where we could be able to get more land for expansion?
(4) The MLAs are telling worried Goans that Dabolim will not be shut down! On what basis are they making such statements? Have they got a written confirmation? And If Dabolim and Mopa co-exists how will the traffic prove economical based on the Government’s own inflated numbers?
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Stop wasting public funds
Your news report ‘State grappling with financial crunch’ was expected as the State is wasting public money on non deserving cases. Did the mining dependents not have a share in the Rs 35,000 crore illegal mining scam? The mine owners could not have moved the ore without their help.
Then why is the Govt. giving them doles and OTS scheme at the cost of the public and forgot about recovering the Rs 35,000 crores? Even the Griha Aadhar scheme is given to women having income of Rs. 25,000 per month. Their spouses are working and some are even Government employees. Isn’t it a joke on the public? Why crores of rupees are wasted on IFFI and stadiums which have become white elephants if the Government does not have funds? If Government has surplus funds it should reduce taxes and increase DSS to deserving cases to Rs. 5,000 per month to enable them to have a decent standard of living.
Avelino de Sa, Panjim
