Hello Goanetters,
A lot of persons in Goa and on this forum have subconciously politicised the
issue of the 'Great Airport that Dabolim is! All that is needed is continual
upgradation of the facilities for a modern International Airport. This
upgrading does not even have to be done all at once; but in stages. Only the
planning for the future requirements needs to be taken care of, in advence.
(that does not mean, meaninglessly going to Mopa, that is further than
planet Mars) All of the future needs can be provided and delivered from the
present airport at Dabolim.
With understanding the Navy can be asked to have their training periods
between the early hours of morning and the late hours of evening, (peak
hours on Goa roads). Say 0500 hrs to 0700 hrs AM and from 1800 hrs to 2000
hrs PM. This way the Navy willl have experience in whatever they are
training in, by day as well as by night! Or does the Navy think that daytime
flying practice alone, is enough? Does the enemy attack only in the daytime?
It is high time that the Civilian Authority make demands on the Navy, from
today, untill such time they can and be able to get out of Dabolim
altogether. Why not? Dabolim has been civilian from inception; the Navy has
to listen to the Civil Power in Goa and in New Delhi; they should stop
dictating and trying to influence locals etc with sops!
The GoG is itself to blame for this unwarranted Noise about airport! Goa's
time and energy and finances are better empolyed at resolving more pressing
and basic problems, that are many!
Yes, there is no need for an opinion poll or a referendum. This is not a
political issue. Its common sense to retain the present airport and develop
it, as well as the support infrastructure, transport, roads, mass transit
system et al. Goa does not need any more 'Consultants' over this. The last
time the Canadian Consultants were employed, and not even told about the
existance of Dabolim, and were given no brief as to compare Dabolim with any
other locations in Goa. They were just told to give a report on Mopa, so
somebody could mop up?? That's partisan politics indeed.
This is not to say that politicians should not lead the debate or actions
needed for this accomplishment; but that they should lead for 'all of Goa',
like some are already doing, after listening to the people of Goa.
Nasci Caldeira
Melbourne
Down Under
