TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar declared that Central environment ministry has given its clearance for the proposed Greenfield airport at Mopa.
He also said that Goa government would continue with Dabolim airport, cautioning that no politicking or divide between North and South over Mopa would be tolerated.
The House witnessed noisy scenes over the issue which came up during Question Hour on Tuesday.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai alleged that the government has not carried out any feasibility study on having two airports in Goa, and it was in a tearing hurry to have the new airport at Mopa. He insisted on knowing whether the recommendations made by the International Civil Aviation Organisation had been complied with for detailed feasibility study, comprehensive airport development study and other pre-conditions for getting approvals for the new airport.
Replying to his queries, Parrikar said that the government has just received the clearance for Mopa from the Central environment ministry and required studies would be carried out. He said, “It was the advice to Goa from ICAO way back in 2007 that by 2014 Dabolim will be congested and incapable of catering to increasing passenger and aircraft arrivals.”
The chief minister said that Dabolim has now itself almost touched four million passenger traffic which was projected for 2014-15. He said, “Mopa will be needed irrespective of what we do with Dabolim.”
Parrikar denied any hurry over Mopa stating that the government will not be able to float any tenders for Mopa airport unless and until it carries out the requisite studies.
He said that as of now the financial consultants have already been appointed and Mopa would benefit Goa.
During the discussion, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho said that the government should not allow Dabolim airport to close down. He lashed at political opponents alleging that there was a deliberate attempt to create a divide between North and South over Mopa. “I think there is need for a half hour discussion on this issue,” said Godinho alleging that political interests were trying to fuel fire on the airport issue.
While Godinho insisted that Dabolim should be retained, he also said that there should be no opposition to Mopa as it was part of Goa. The chief minister agreed to a detailed discussion on the issue and said he would table all documents on the airport in the House.
