########################################################################## # If Goanet stops reaching you, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # Want to check the archives? http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
With all due respect to Mr. Churchill Alemao, MP (South Goa) and the debaters on this issue upto this point, I have the following to state: First off I am of the opinion that Dabolim airport should return to the control of civilian authorities (AAI) so that flights can land when they (read flyers) want to land. The MP's letter to the Defence Standing committee does not appear to be making a strong case for the above. The only relevant point I noted was : QTE > 5. For background purpose:- Goa being a very small state, it cannot afford > to misuse, waste or part with its land resources. Defence and Central > Government agencies occupy the major part of Vasco and Dabolim. END-QTE Yes Goa is a small state with limited land resources that are already being destroyed by environmental degradation. I don't believe anybody in the Govt of India, the State Govt or anywhere else gives "a hoot" about what the airport was identified for pre-1961 even if documentation exists albeit Gabriel (Melbourne) gave us an excellent insight of Dabolim's history a few weeks ago. Secondly, why has there been "no avenue until recently" to make a case for a discussion ?? Armed forces officers are ultimately under the command of political officers/ministers. Goa has always had a State Government and MPs in Delhi. Why have the dozen-or-so CMs not pushed the case ***strongly enough*** in the past ?? This is a case where the state governing and opposition parties should have got together to work on the federal authorities and armed forces. Some actions that could and may have been taken: - The AAI should alert the federal aviation minister ?? Get his support !! - Due to the inherent generation of revenue to state and federal coffers from tourism (60% of Goans dependent on tourism), the support of the federal Finance Minister and Excise officials should be solicited. Coming back to WHY.....why is there so much noise about the airport...NOW ?? Is it because of the plan to build an airport in MOPA ?? Are the South Goa constituents (read hotel lobby) influencing Mr. Alemao's pronouncements on this issue ? He threatened to resign if MOPA was developed. He was a Chief Minister and MP in the 90s. Why the sudden passion for Dabolim ?? Is it partisan politics 1-0-1 again ?? We certainly can't afford to finance building an airport from scratch, let alone the means of transportation to/from the airport. So why doesn't Mr. Parrikar strongly support Mr. Alemao's bid at this time to return the airport to AAI control ?? He probably has a plan for Goenkars and tourists - Land in Mopa and take the Sky Bus to Ponje. Ohhh Dabolim !!! I'm giddy just thinking of you !!! Best wishes - Bosco --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goanet - http://www.goanet.org - Goa's premier mailing list is 10 years old
