MARGAO
Independent MLA Reginaldo Lourenco has said there’s a lurking fear in the tourism industry of South Goa that if Dabolim airport is closed for civilian flights, both international and domestic, it could lead to a massive decrease in the number of tourists visiting South Goa, which in turn will have a cascading effect on the tourism sector in South Goa.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Reginaldo pointed out that the people of South Goa are keen to know from their government whether the current news doing the rounds that Dabolim airport will cease to function once Mopa becomes operational is true and if it is correct what permanent arrangement will their government endeavour to safeguard the interest of Dabolim airport for operation of both domestic and international airlines.
“I am sure our government led by your good self will stand true to its words in preventing the loss of commercial air traffic to Dabolim airport,” he said in the letters.
The Curtorim MLA said he has written a letter to the Chief Minister that despite the assurances given by the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, that the Dabolim airport will never be shut for commercial operations once Mopa airport commences its full operation, the concern of people of South Goa is increasing on the functioning of the said Goa’s original airport at Dabolim for commercial operations.
“The anxiety of South Goa residents is getting further compounded in the background of a message that is being circulated on social media these days, showing a portion of that letter, dated 01/05/2000 and addressed to The Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, wherein it is mentioned that the existing airport will be closed for civilians on commissioning of the new airport. It is also reported that foreign airlines will be moving to Mopa once the new airport there becomes operational,” he said.
He added: “Let us not forget that the picturesque and the pacific South Goa is very much dependent on Dabolim airport because it is preferred gateway to both international and domestic tourist who visit its serene beaches, amazing religious abodes, remarkable monuments, heritage museums, lush green spice plantations.”
