Post GFDO meeting in Margão, the MOPA issue is being discussed on public media by many who have not even bothered to take pains to read what an airport is, why an airport is needed or even the economics of an airport. Permit me to clarify certain preposterous statements made. An airport is not like a Bus stand that requires expansion or relocation as the number of busses increase. An airport's basic requirement is a runway of not more than 4.5 km x 100 mts if at sea level. This is for the largest civilian aircraft the Airbus 380 or Boeing 747. The takeoff run is the requirement rather than the landing, which is much less. The rest of space requirement is for taxiways and terminals. If there is cargo export or import, then more space for the cargo area is required. But does Goa has anything in large quantities for air export? Besides, the ideal location is always central, convenient to the whole population of the State. The presence of the Navy at Dabolim is neither a basic need nor of any vital importance, but on the contrary a hazard to the civilian population. As per International Law, no armed force base station can be set up within certain distance from civilian population. An enemy attack on the base will be detrimental to civilians. The people who write that Mopa is a necessity, need to read the UN agency, International Civil Aviation Organisation report on the feasibility of Mopa, rather than being a self exclaimed expert. And lastly, nowhere has anyone said anywhere that Fr. Eremito is the Church's spokesperson.
-- *Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão.* *Margão, GOA.*
