-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=011158
Mopa decision in PM's hand: CM NT Staff Reporter Panaji Jan 10: With the fight within the ruling Congress party over the proposed Mopa international airport reaching the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh for a decision, the state government has decided to stay the process for the land acquisition. The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane in an informal chat with reporters at old Secretariat this afternoon said that the all activities on Mopa airport have been stayed as the matter has been taken to Dr Singh for seeking proper guidance over going ahead with the civilian airport. Mr Rane had told a joint meeting of the GPCC and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting recently that the government would seek the Prime Minister's advice to take proper decision on the proposed airport. However, Mr Rane today said that the land acquisition process, which was in progress since February 2002 has been stayed till further orders. Meanwhile, the All-India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of Goa desk, Ms Margaret Alva today observed that the agitation launched by the South Goa MLA, Mr Churchill Alemao against the proposed Mopa airport is uncalled for. "Mr Alemao was present when a delegation met the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi to discuss the Mopa airport issue," she said here, adding that the final decision about the airport should be left to Dr Singh. Mr Rane also said the government favours upgradation of Dabolim airport so that the air traffic movement can be increased manifold. He said the government was prepared to support the upgradation programme of the Dabolim naval airport. The ruling Congress party seems to be divided over the issue as one section supports the proposed airport, while the other section led by South Goa MP, Mr Churchill Alemao oppose the proposed airport tooth and nail. It may be recalled that the state government had almost completed the land acquisition process for 54 lakh sq mt land at Mopa plateau to be acquired in the first phase two years ago. The government has to give the award to the land owners before April this year or else the the entire land acquisition process undertaken during last two year will lapse. The government had proposed to acquire 1 crore sq mts land in three phases, while in phase two the total land of 86 lakh sq mt would have been acquired. The government had issued notification under Section IV of the Land Acquisition Act in phase II and it was about to issue notification under Section 6 before January 21 for final acquisition. The senior officials however maintained that they are awaiting the government clearance to issue the notification under Section 6 to acquire the land and give awards. Meanwhile, the L&T-Ramboll (Dutch firm), has started preparing the environment impact assessment report and the firm has installed the air monitoring station at the proposed Mopa airport site. The firm will submit its report within two months. The state government which had began the process on proposed airport had appointed International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the UN agency on the civil aviation matter as consultant for the proposed airport. The Airport de Paris (ADP) had prepared the techno-economic and techno-feasibility report and the same had been accepted by the government. With the state government accepting the report, the ICAO experts team visited India and held a meeting with the civil aviation ministry and finalised the tender documents. The ministry team recently visited Goa and held discussions with the state government officials. Our Margao Bureau Adds: The South Goa MP, Mr Churchill Alemao, who attend the coordination committee meeting between the party and the government late this evening told The Navhind Times that he would react to the announcement after going through the details of the same. On pressing for a statement, Mr Alemao said that he would address a press conference tomorrow on the issue. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------