PANJIM: After Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar opined that shifting of Navy from Dabolim would be ‘anti-national’, the Congress party concurred that there is no need to shift the Navy from Dabolim, provided they give additional land for expansion of Dabolim airport as per their commitment.
Speaking to media persons, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Luizinho Faleiro said that he would be writing to the Defence Minister requesting him to direct the Indian Navy to honour its commitment to allot land for expansion of Dabolim airport.
He said that the Navy had committed to give 50,200 sq mtrs of additional land for development of the airport. “However, they never gave it. They should stick to their commitment,” he said.
Luizinho recalled that during Sharad Pawar’s stint as Union Defence Minister, the Navy had expressed its willingness to shift from Dabolim to Karwar (Anjediva island). “I have seen many airports in the country where Navy, airport authorities and civilian are working hand in hand,” he said. The Congress leader said that shifting of the Naval base should be looked at if it is viable, and advisable as well as whether it will have any impact on safety (of the nation). “I see no reason for Navy to shift if they provide additional land for expansion of Dabolim airport, which will help in functioning more effectively,” he said.
However, if Navy wants to shift as per their earlier wish, then they should not be stopped. Commenting on Defence Minister’s statement, Luizinho said that “it is his perception.”
