PANJIM: Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday ruled out the possibility of granting land for a naval enclave at the proposed new airport at Mopa, as sought by the Navy. The State government too has turned down the Navy’s proposal.
Speaking to media persons, Parrikar said the question of providing land to the Navy at Mopa does not arise, until some emergency ground is created. “I will clear this issue,” he said adding that the Navy asked for land as they granted permission for the construction of the airport.
When the State approached the Defence ministry for clearance for the Mopa airport, the ministry granted clearance with two clauses under which the State had to make available a slot of at least one hour during the day for military flying in Mopa control zone.
The other clause sought an area to construct an apron, hangar and admin/technical building capable of handling at least two long range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) (Boeing 737-800 equivalent) aircraft at a time.
However, the State was not in favour of the same and had so informed the Ministry. “State is right at their point. I don’t think there is a need for a hangar. The issue will be clear before opening up the tender,” Parrikar said.
In December last year, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had written to the Defence Ministry to drop the two clauses so as to avoid exclusive and unhindered civil operations at the proposed Mopa airport.
Parsekar also reminded the Ministry that Dabolim airport in Goa is fully under the Navy’s control for military operations.
