<the motto to be followed, imho, is "plan big, build small". I thoroughly agree with you that one should start small. However, plans for the "larger picture" ought to be put on paper, to preserve the real-estate and to provide a basis for requesting/allocating funds in future years. >[Gabriel de Figueiredo, June 27]
Fine. Let's try to put some numbers on this exercise, just to get a handle on things. What should be the purpose of Mopa? It seems the rules may only permit a domestic airport not an international one. This does not rule out A380s, however, because airlines like Air Deccan are pushing Airbus for short haul versions accommodating as many as 800 passengers! What are the chances this will be feasible? Next question: how much land should be fenced off for starters? 1500 acres? 4-5 thousand acres? More? Kochi is making do with 1300 acres. Bangalore and Hyderabad are going for the larger areas. The latter (esp Bangalore) are also reportedly plagued by allegations of land scams. How much money does Goa govt have for putting into Mopa? In a public private partnership set up it may not need to put in that much e.g 26%. But still, control will lie with the private partner. Does Goa want to have problems again with the tail wagging the dog as at Dabolim? In the end drawing the line between planning for bare necessities and premptively positioning a virgin site for a futuristic urban agglomeration may be a black art. I sometimes wonder if Goa govt has what it takes. Let's hope for the best!
