<We find that the Cabinet does not apply its mind to important policy decisions, ... ... MOPA versus DABOLIM. ... ... It is clear, once again, that the Rane government has not bothered to commission a detailed and exhaustive techno-economic study before making its decision public. >
I dont know about the other policy decisions the author has criticised, but on "Mopa vs Dabolim" it is clear that he has unfortunately not armed himself with the facts of the matter which however are admittedly rather murky. The fact is that what passes for "a techno-economic feasibility (TEF) study" WAS commissioned during 2005 and somehow it was in an advanced stage preparatory to tendering for Mopa before it was put on hold due to political gamesmanship. The fact is that way back in 2000 Dabolim civil enclave's days were effectively numbered by a decree of the Union Cabinet. The general public (perhaps including the author) have been and still are blissfully unaware of this. The fact is that despite this Dabolim has been on the Civil Aviation Ministry's list of 10 non-metro upgrades due to start in 2006 "depending on land allottment by Defence Ministry". Why it is to the tune of a whopping Rs 500 cr, half the expected cost of Mopa and the same proportion of the Phase I non-metro upgrades, is not made clear. But sure, no one says anything about how Mopa AND Dabolim will function together for the long term through suitable traffic sharing (and shifting of Naval training flights to a more suitable location) given the high growth rates in Indian civil aviation (thanks to the appearance of low cost airlines in a big way since 2003). The fact is that the Prime Minister (and Sonia Gandhi) are supposed to decide on the whole issue with the help of a committee of Goa's MPs and CM aided by a couple of babus in a few months time. Let's see how THEY apply their mind to this complex issue. Frankly, the prognosis is not good, if you ask me. The bottom line, as far as I am concerned, is that nothing should be done which will result in the closure of the civil enclave at Dabolim.
