Matanhy wanted Navy to vacate Dabolim airport
Amidst growing and sound opposition expressed against Mopa airport through the media and editorials, it is time running out for the Government to take a pause and address the question raised by people of Goa, before it evolves into a popular movement. To state that Dabolim will continue inspite of Mopa, is foolhardy. It is the duty of any elected Government to listen to the voices of the people. More so, the ‘already controversial Mopa airport’ was not part of the BJP Government’s election manifesto and therefore has no mandate. It is a shocking tribute by the CM to say on the floor of the house, that ‘Matanhy was in favour of Mopa airport’, and that too on his first death anniversary. Matanhy’s views and statements on Dabolim and Mopa airport are clear, well published and on record. “Matanhy was totally against Mopa and said that Goa is too small for another airport”. He insisted that the Naval occupation of Dabolim is illegal and should be forced to vacate. He wanted Dabolim to be wholly returned back to the civilian Government. He believed that Mopa will be a disaster for Goa just like the Konkan railway, which inspite of tall claims, is running in crores of losses even after 15 years of operation. The very fact that KPMG has been asked to work on a revenue model for the Mopa airport, means that it is not a feasible project and how to make it feasible is being looked at ! ‘Any consultant for that matter, will be willing to provide feasibility report on paper, for a fee’. Goa already receives more tourists than its population. The filth and garbage generated is out of control, road congestion leading to accidents, inadequate parking spaces, water shortages, mounting crimes and robberies, gambling, drugs and prostitution on the rise, we must learn to cater only what we can manage. Turning Mopa into an export hub is a contradiction, as agricultural land is rapidly under assault by real estate mafias and farmers are being marginalised. Needless to add, the poorest people in Goa are commonly farmers. More importantly, a project of such a huge magnitude, which involves displacement of thousands of people dependant on agriculture, loss of livelihood, destruction to the environment, and in the long run losing a centrally located Dabolim airport; must be put up for serious debate, and if necessary, even decided by a referendum. Geraldo Oliveira