Reply to below note: Everyone is of the belief that the setup of MOPA airport is a “ foregone conclusion”. Is it really true? Is it a “done deal”? The Ministers of Goa seem to think so yet they keep on meeting with the concerned authorities in Delhi for Mopa and Dabolim. I don’t know what for? It is very clear to everybody that Goa does not need two airports. Goa cannot afford two airports. The fact that the Navy owns land at Dabolim is still unclear, and under dispute, and its turning out that they might not actually have any claims to the land. The Ministers for various reasons think that MOPA airport is essential. Let’s forget all the other civic amenities that are lacking and let’s make sure we have a SUPER Airport. Logically, Dabolim airport in its centralised location serves both North and South equally well in terms of distance, pricing of taxi fares etc. With the exception of a “certain district” in North Goa and other vested interests in Maharashtra, the entire state of Goa seems to want Dabolim Airport. While I do agree with Philip that Marina’s reminder about Dabolim was good, I do not agree that we should talk about Dabolim and MOPA in the same breath. There can only be one choice and it should be Dabolim. We chose our ministers to advocate things on our behalf. Apparently on this subject, they cannot, so I say we the people of Goa, should have a say in what we want. It is after all a Democracy and we choose Dabolim Airport for Goa. We need to find a way to clearly state that. The Government of Goa should upgrade Dabolim Airport and re-locate the Navy to Karwar or elsewhere.
Sheila D'souza <Dabolim Airport is still underconsideration apparently from Manmohan Singh and the Union Civil Aviation Minister. http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=8880&cid=2 If we all rally together, Dabolim Airport will emerge the winner.> This was an excellent input, Marina. I was thinking that as usual after making a hue and cry about Dabolim being better than Mopa, goanetters had gone to sleep when the news about the 'setback' to Dabolim was first posted. You ave proved the exception and are right in suggesting that we roll up our sleeves and get going. Its good that the Kamat govt is planning to do some lobbying in this connection. One small suggestion, please talk about Dabolim and Mopa as 'winners' together. As I have repeatedly said, even upgradation of Dabolim may be no guarantee that it will remain open for civilian traffic once Mopa is operational. Kamat & Co will have to remain on their toes continuously from now on for Goa's sake. Something different for the politicia ns and ministers (and the people) unlike in the past, right? Cheers.
