PANJIM: Following uproar from various quarters, the Navy has finally reduced the restrictions on development around airport from 20 kms initially to four kms. However, rejecting the proposal, the State government has stated it would affect entire Mormugao taluka.
Dabolim MLA and Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho informed reporters that the Navy has now said that any development within four-kilometre radius from airport will require their permission.
“They submitted the colour-coded maps and put red colour on 4 kms around airport, which mostly includes area around Mormugao taluka. Earlier, they said 20 kms, which now has been brought down to 4 kms,” he said.
Godinho said the government has still not agreed to the 4 kms around the airport.
“We are disputing as State government, simply because all the citizens of Mormugao will have to go to the Navy for all NOCs,” he said.
He said the rules are mandated under Civil Aviation Rules. “The Navy has informed us to get rules changed from Centre but until such time we have requested the Navy that all proposals coming to MPDA or town planning will necessary be sent to them, which they have to clear within four weeks,” he said.
“If they do not clear within four weeks it would be considered as approved”, he added.
On changing the rules with Centre, he said, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant would write to Union Civil Aviation Minister and Defence Minister.
“I will also follow up the matter,” he said.
