The Hindu : National : ``Not opposed to Mopa airport''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005

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National

``Not opposed to Mopa airport''

Special Correspondent

Dabolim only for civilian purpose: BJP

PANAJI: Even as the ruling coalition appears to be against the new international airport at Mopa in north Goa and the demand for the civilian use of the Dabolim international airport in south Goa intensifies, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for use of both airports keeping in mind the massive tourism inflow anticipated by the State.

At a press meet here on Tuesday, the Opposition leader and former Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, dismissed the anti-Mopa tirade in the ruling coalition as internal bickering and pointed out that it was the Congress which was in power in the State when the project was conceived though it was he who had pursued it.

There was no question of opposing the Mopa airport, Mr. Parrikar said. However, he concurred with the demand by Congressmen led by south Goa MP Churchill Alemao that the Navy should be asked to shift its base from Dabolim in south Goa to the upcoming Sea Bird Naval base at Karwar in Karnataka and relinquish its jurisdiction over the Dabolim international airport in favour of full civilian use. At the same time, he conceded that it was said easier than done.

"I do not agree with the contention that the Mopa airport would impact on Goa's tourism," said Mr. Parrikar. Tourists came to Goa for several reasons: well developed infrastructure and culture, for instance. He dismissed suggestions that the airport might boost tourism in the Konkan region (Maharashtra) at Goa's cost.

Referring to an economic survey of the tourist projection for 2004-05, Mr. Parrikar said the projections for 2011 had been surpassed by 2005 and those for 2011 indicated that over 3-4 million tourists might arrive in Goa. Hence, he felt that both Dabolim and the proposed new airport at Mopa could be sustained if kept functional.

Secondly, one had to consider the fact that the new airport would take another four years to complete. And accordingly, one had to take into consideration the tourism projections then. Mopa, for instance, would have more space for bigger aircraft and cargo potential which, in turn, meant a huge boost to Goa's agriculture and rural markets.

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