MARGAO:
GFDO has also requested Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to examine very closely the possibility of providing more operational timing in order to accommodate more flights.GFDO Convenor Fr Eremito Rebello has said that taxi operators at Dabolim have been raising a number of issues for some time now, stressing upon the need to increase space for parking and to find suitable and alternative parking areas. “In fact, after the denotification of Sy 8/1 which had been notified for city-side facilities, GFDO has identified alternative land in reasonable proximity to the airport. This can be examined as a potential, legitimate parking for taxis, with facilities that would make the long wait of most taxi drivers more comfortable and safer,” he said. He recalled that Dabolim airport has been rated as the 4th best airport among the total 58 airports in 2 to 5 million capacity category in Asia for 2015 by the Airport Council International, an authority that gives out the airport service quality awards. “In such a scenario it is very strange and perplexing why the State government, which claims it is committed to development, is treating such a gem of an airport with callous neglect and disregard. After all, upgradation of infrastructure and conveniences should be the first priority of any government sincere about the development of the economy and the State,” he said.Fr Eremito said it is now over two months since Parrikar claimed that his ministry had initiated an inquiry “against illegal construction of golf course by the Indian Navy” in Goa. He said, “If the golf course is illegal as the DM himself has confirmed, the question arises as to why it is not being demolished to make way for urgently needed airport facilities. It is also perplexing why the taxiway that would facilitate the operation of an increased number of flights has been delayed and left pending for so many years.”
