PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to head the Mopa Planning and Development Authority (PDA) once it is constituted. The PDA has been planned to fast track the work of the new international airport at Mopa.
Also, the chairmanship of much awaited Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA), will remain with the BJP, as Goa Forward Party (GFP), which had initially staked claim over it, has now backed out.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Board, which met on Thursday under Minister Vijai Sardesai recommend the formation of new PDA for Mopa area, wherein around 81.29 lakh sq mtrs of area will be brought under the planning authority.
In April 2016, the then TCP Board had proposed to bring the Mopa airport area under PDA and accordingly, it is now decided to form a new PDA.
Highly placed sources confirm that the Mopa PDA will be headed by the Chief Minister, with TCP Minister Sardesai and Tourism Minister and Pernem MLA Manohar Azgaonkar as members.
“Chief Minister himself said that he would like to chair the Mopa PDA to ensure that the airport project is fast tracked,” sources said, adding that the PDA will not consist of any private members.
It is very clear that Sardesai, the MLA from Fatorda, would not like to take any decision on second airport, as he has been an anti-Mopa supporter.
Work on the proposed second airport at Mopa has commenced. The international airport is expected to be ready for its first flight by mid-2020.
Meanwhile, BJP will have its hold over the MPDA, which has been without a chairman for the last 11 months, after the resignation of then chairman Carlos Almeida. GFP had initially sought the PDA, after having taken hold of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA).
However, a deal has been struck between the coalition partners – BJP and GFP – wherein MPDA will remain with the BJP and the Greater Panjim PDA, will go to the GFP.
