GOANS FOR DABOLIM ONLY DEMAND WHITE PAPER ON FUTURE OF TOURISM AND TWO AIRPORTS
MARGAO: The Goans For Dabolim Only (GFDO) on Tuesday demanded a White Paper on the future of tourism in Goa and whether two airports will be viable for the tiny State, which is reeling under huge financial debt and in view of Goa being made a coal hub and destruction of the environment. “
Speaking to reporters, GFDO convenor Fr Eremito Rebello commended Airports Authority of India (AAI) for its initiative to expand the existing Dabolim airport as it would increase its capacity to 1.1 crore passengers per year and raised questions about the feasibility of proposed Mopa greenfield airport.
Fr Rebello said the government has put out a policy saying Mopa airport will be made an Export Hub, but the relative advantages such as closeness to port, railway and industry put Dabolim airport at an advantage.
Fr Rebello said that White Paper seriously needs to examine whether the ongoing destruction of environment due to coal transportation would impact Goa’s future tourist footfalls and its aviation passenger projections.
Fr Rebello argued that Goa does not need Mopa airport after slump in economy. Mopa will become and unviable and will be handed to a private operator along with Dabolim airport as done in the case of Mengaluru and other airports.