TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Thursday stated that Navy should shift its air training to Sea Bird Karwar and allow more flying time to the civilian aircrafts at Dabolim airport.
Addressing media, Almeida claimed that Navy is trying to block the civilian flight timings by adding more and more squadrons at Dabolim airport, which is not required.
“Navy should construct an airstrip at Sea Bird Karwar and should shift its base to Sea Bird in a phased manner and in this way, the Dabolim airport will remain for civilians only,” stated Almeida.
“As far as Suravel beach is concerned, the beach is illegally acquired by Navy on the pretext of security,” claimed Almeida.
Almeida further said he will take up all the issues with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and seek relief to the residents of Bogmalo, locals and traditional fishermen.
Meanwhile, Fulgencio Rodrigues, former deputy sarpanch of Chicalim-Bogmalo and a resident of Bogmalo, in a letter to Chief Minister Parrikar stated that the low flying of naval aircraft, particularly MIG 29, creates noise pollution and discomfort to Bogmalo residents .
“Noise endangers the lives of patients with heart-related ailments and noise can even lead to irreparable damage to the eardrums of the residents,” added Rodrigues.
Rodrigues, through MLA Almeida, has urged Parrikar to intervene in the matter and stop the low flying of the naval aircrafts.
Rodrigues also brought to the notice of Parrikar that Navy has posted armed personnel at Suravel Beach, who do not allow the locals and fishermen to visit the beach.
“Earlier, the beach was visited by locals during summer and fishermen used to fishthere, which is presently stopped by the Navy claiming that the beach belongs to them,” stated Rodrigues.
