Attempt to convert parking land is to
choke Dabolim airport: Fr Eremito
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Expressing shock and surprise over the move of the Airport Authority of India to convert parking land for construction of CISF barracks,, the Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) convenor Fr Eremito Rebello has termed the move as a clear attempt to choke the international airport at Dabolim to favour Mopa.
In fact, Fr Eremito demanded that the BJP-led government reject outright the AAI’s proposal for conversion of the acquired land when it the land acquisition is clear that the land was primarily acquired for the purpose of parking. “All this goes on to show that overt and covert attempts are underway to choke the Dabolim airport in favour of Mopa. The previous Congress government had gone to the extent of de-notifying the land acquired for Dabolim airport parking. The successive BJP-led government did not set aside the Congress government’s decision and virtually agreed with the de-notification. Now, if the AAI has moved a proposal to convert land acquired for parking, it only goes to show how attempts are being made to choke the Dabolim airport," Fr Eremito said.
He also demanded to know how land acquired for one purpose can be utilized for another purpose when the Dabolim airport is facing parking problem. “When land was acquired specifically for parking, how come it can be used for some other purpose when the parking issue remains unresolved till date. This only goes to show that vested interests are working overtime to ensure that existing Dabolim airport is closed down once Mopa takes shape," he added.
Social activist and GFDO member Sidharth Karapurkar said the government is working on a systematic plan to create artificial problems to make a strong case in favour of Mopa airport.
“It is very clear that an attempt is being made to create artificial deficiencies at the Dabolim airport so that the government can go ahead with the Mopa airport. Even in the case of the airport terminal, there’s a huge space inside the terminal for international flights, which should be used for all purposes," Karapurkar said, while demanding that the government should not grant permission for the conversion of the land acquired specifically for parking.
