TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Goans for Dabolim Only on Tuesday gave a call to Goans to attend the May 15 rally at the historic Lohia Maidan, Margao in large numbers to convey a message loud and clear to the government that Goans are firmly opposed to the proposed Mopa airport.
Addressing meetings at Benaulim and Chinchinim villages this evening, the organization has reminded the people that the ongoing battle to save Dabolim is indeed a battle to protect the interest of Goa and Goans.
Speakers came down heavily on the Manohar Parrikar government for trying to fool and misguide Goans that Dabolim would continue to exist even after Mopa becomes a reality. Convenor of Goans for Dabolim Only Fr Eremito Rebello reiterated his open challenge to both the Congress and BJP, including Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for an open debate on the economic feasibility of both airports in Goa.
Activist Serafino Cota pooh-poohed the government claims that Dabolim has reached a saturation point, saying that Dabolim’s capacity can be increased four-fold for the moment to meet the requirements.
Stating that Dabolim’s runway is almost the same as that of the world’s second largest airport at Heathrow, Cota told the government to stop spreading lies that big aircraft will not be able to land at Dabolim because of the runway.
In his address, tourist taxi operator Jeorge Fernandes rued that instead of making available improved amenities for tourists, the government of the day is pursuing the Mopa airport to bring in more tourists for their selfish ends. Saying that Mopa airport would spell doom for tourist taxi operators and shack owners in South Goa, Jeorge urged the people of Goa to join the Lohia Maidan rally on May 15 and protect Goa for Goans.
Leader of the anti-Mopa movement, Sandip Kamble, while addressing a meeting at Chinchinim, accused Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar of spreading lies that the government would start the process of building the new airport at Mopa this year.
“Parrikar is fooling the people by saying the government would soon start work on the Mopa airport. How can Parrikar say that government would start work on the project when the people of Mopa are still fighting a legal battle on the acquisition of their land?” he asked.
People of Mopa had stopped government’s plans to build the new airport since the last five years and our movement will continue till the airport is scrapped and the land is returned back to the farmers”, he asserted.
President of Shack Owners Society Cruz Cardozo cautioned to remain alert on the proposed airport at Mopa saying, the neighbouring State wants to develop tourism by using Goa’s brand name.
Local activist Zuzico Fernandes said the time has come for Goans to come out in large numbers to show the Parrikar government that the proposed airport would spell doom for Goa and Goans.
