Says Vijai does not understand issue; Alleges GMR lobbying with Navy to take over airport
Members of the Black and Yellow United Taxi Association of Dabolim Airport meet Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho at his office on Thursday.
VASCO
The Black and Yellow United Taxi Association of Dabolim Airport met Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho at his office on Thursday to seek his continued support towards the functioning of Dabolim Airport, even as fresh political claims over its future triggered a strong rebuttal from the minister.
Responding to recent remarks by MLA Vijai Sardesai, Godinho dismissed rumours that the airport would be shut down and handed over entirely to the defence forces.
“Everyone is aware of the rumours that Dabolim Airport will be shut and taken over by the defence. I personally travelled to Delhi along with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He gave us a clear assurance that Dabolim Airport will never shut down,” Godinho said.
He added that a follow-up meeting was also held recently.
“A few days ago, I again met the Defence Minister along with MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and submitted a detailed memorandum explaining why this airport must continue permanently, and how tourism and the State’s economy would suffer if it were closed. Once again, he assured us that Dabolim Airport will not be closed,” he stated.
Godinho, however, alleged that there was pressure being exerted from other quarters.
“From the other side, I hear that GMR, which operates Manohar International Airport at Mopa, is putting tremendous pressure and lobbying with the Navy to take over Dabolim Airport. That is why I requested the Chief Minister to once again meet the Union Defence Minister so that the assurance comes directly from the Centre. Despite repeated assurances from me and the Chief Minister, people continue to live in fear,” he said.
Taking on Sardesai’s demand for his resignation, Godinho said, “Vijai Sardesai is in the Opposition and may want to play politics. I was the one who first informed the media that GMR was lobbying against Dabolim Airport. Now he claims it is not GMR but the Union Defence Minister who is exerting pressure. He has demanded my resignation, but he does not understand the issue. It is the role of the Opposition to make such statements.”
Reiterating the State government’s stand, Godinho asserted, “I want to assure the people once again that Dabolim Airport will continue to operate and no one can shut it down. Our government, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, will take all necessary steps. There is absolutely no question of this airport closing.”
