Few of these taxi operators are willing to believe the State government’s assurance that activity at Dabolim airport would not subside, when Mopa airport becomes a reality.
Given the sensitivity of the issue and possible backlash, as three of the four legislators representing Mormugao taluka are from the BJP, none of the taxi operators were willing to openly air their concerns.
“There are over 200 black and yellow taxi and 150 tourist taxi operators from Mormugao taluka, who earn their livelihood at Dabolim airport,” said a tourist taxi operator.
“Besides the tourist taxi operators, other locals dependent on the Dabolim airport include staff with various airlines (300), technicians with airlines (200) and loaders (100). All these people could also lose their jobs if Mopa airport becomes a reality,” he said.
“With the construction of Mopa airport, the flights will shift there and revenue generated by us by operating our taxis will end. We will be unable to support our families,” added the tourist taxi operator.
Another taxi operator said, “We know that the people of Pernem and neighbouring areas need employment. However, instead of pushing for Mopa airport, the government can bring in good employment generating industries.”
Politicians in Mormugao taluka, however, have sought to dispel these fears. “Both airports are needed. Goans will be given employment at the airport,” said Mormugao MLA and Power Minister Milind Naik, but failed to answer how taxi operators from Mormugao taluka would benefit once the Mopa airport is operational.
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said, “The government is giving us in writing that once Mopa airport is constructed, Dabolim airport will be retained and operational for civilian use. Hence, it will not affect the livelihood of tourist taxi operators and others employed at Dabolim airport.”
“The government would not have spent crores of rupees to build the new airport terminal, the flyover and other infrastructure, if it wanted to close down Dabolim airport once Mopa airport becomes operational,” Almeida added.
When contacted, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho said the loaders, airline staff and taxi operators at Dabolim airport should discard their fears, as Dabolim airport is here to stay.
“Mopa airport will come depending on market factors and for that, the government should create necessary infrastructure like broadening of the highway and complete the expressway from Pernem to Canacona,” said Godinho.
“The main drawback at Dabolim is that the Navy should release required land for a parallel runway and to park aircraft. Since we have our own Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, his good offices can be used to direct the Navy to release the necessary land,” he added.
“Mopa is a distant dream and unless and until the government puts the entire infrastructure in place, it cannot become a reality. However, depending on increase of air traffic and passengers in the near future, Goa may not only need two, but even three airports,” said Godinho.
