########################################################################## # 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 # ##########################################################################
Gasper, Thanks for your informative post on this subject. You have addressed two issues in this post.....I'll respond to the Dabolim subject tonight. I stand corrected with my perception that Mr. Churchill Alemao has only recently taken up the Dabolim issue. Nevertheless (I repeat myself) Goa has had a dozen CMs (incl Mr. Alemao) since attaining statehood and in all likelihood none have done much to resolve the Dabolim issue for the following reasons as stated in the debate this far: 1. Politicians will NEVER touch something (esp relating to the Armed Forces) that will NOT bring them direct benefit in return. COMMENT: So we have our very own Goenkars to blame.....but that is not what our intention should be....we cannot hold our politicians accountable, right ?? 2. The Navy refused to meet with representatives of Goa Govt, Tourist lobby or AAI. COMMENT: Maybe you or somebody else could enlighten the rest of us the various attempts that were made to talk to the Navy. I'm enquiring about persistence on our part. Adm Mehta and 1996 is a long time since....i do recollect the tensions of that time. We should keep this issue in the forefront in Goa's interests as Goa cannot afford to build an airport from scratch. With re to your comments re the lease and compensation - While I am not aware of specifics (but would be interested in info) of both, I would think there is an agreement of some sort between the Navy and AAI so that the airport can operate smoothly. But just like all leases they must expire at some time unless this is one of those 99-year leases - where all of us will expire before the lease does. If the Navy paid compensation, it would be interesting to know to whom (Goa Govt or AAI or locals) and how much. If you or anybody else reading this know of additional information in this regard, please share it with us. For now it appears the only way to get the Navy out of Dabolim is for South Goa to elect a BJP MP, so the CM can hound the Navy out just like how he probably silenced the Catholic Church during the recently held bye-election. Philip, with re to your comments.....http://www.airportcitycodes.com lists Dabolim airport with a runaway length of 7850ft....it's not big enough to land a 747 but may accomodate the smaller airforce transports and to think that the Navy is building one of the largest naval bases in South Asia and cannot build a long runaway there......humbug !! Best wishes - Bosco --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goanet - http://www.goanet.org - Goa's premier mailing list is 10 years old