Dabolim Airport, going to close?? Actually, I have posted this at IndiaMike.com on above thread. Then I decided to copy and paste here.
Mopa Airport if started now, it will take at least 5-6 years to complete. Some parts of Goa (including farmers from MOPA) are opposing it although,land acquisition process for Mopa is at final stage It is said Dabolim Airport is illegally occupied by the Navy as war booty (when Portuguese left in 1961). Now, Goa has to virtually beg them to grant a piece of land for expansion purpose...and it does not come out so easily. Dabolim is not 24hrs civilian Airport, certain hours of the day reserved for Military operations during which no civilian landing /take-off takes place. Dabolim is under Military control. Even photography is prohibited. One thing is for sure, when MOPA starts, Dabolim will be lost. Navy will put more and more restrictions and eventually, it will be closed for Civilian use. There may be promises and written assurances saying it will continue to operate but then what else we can do if they close it for good on 'National Security grounds'? There is an Island off Karwar Coast belonging to GOA (Anjediva Island). It has Oldest Church of Goa - Our Lady of Brotas (1506), often said mother of all Churches. Goans (including me) and people of Karwar used to Visit there twice a year on the feast days i.e. February 2 and on Oct. 4 feast of St Francis D’Assissi whose chapel is also located here but it is in ruins now.. At the time of handover of Island from Goa Govt to Seabird (Naval project) around 1990s, it was agreed that people will be allowed to visit the island on these two days, it was a part of agreement. But Navy now deny access on 'Security grounds' and nothing can be done about it by the Goa Govt. despite several demands and representation by the devotees every year. That's why I have said, same will be the fate of Dabolim Airport Extra: When I wrote to Parrikar then CM of Goa (Jan.2004) to do something about the forthcoming Anjediva Island feast i.e. Feb2, he replied to me saying it was too late now (18 years old matter) and nothing can be done now (see proof below). Btw, Anjediva handed over in 1986? I don’t think so, around that time we visited the Island On the feast day. Our Pics were also published in Goan Magazines Quote: Dear Group owner (Goan-NRI), I am in receipt of your email dated January 17, 2004. The matter is 18 years old. Nothing can be done now. May please inform. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, Manohar Parrikar Chief Minister of Goa joego...@yahoo.co.uk for Goa & NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc
