the goan I network
VASCO
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday said steps have been taken to curb the dog menace at Dabolim International Airport, with an NGO entrusted to tackle stray dogs in and around the airport.
Godinho was speaking to reporters after chairing a joint meeting at Dabolim Airport.
“As far as the stray dog menace at Dabolim Airport is concerned, we are already on the job. During my last visit, I had said that I would form a special team under the Animal Husbandry Department to look into this aspect.”
“The Animal Husbandry Department has already entrusted this job to an NGO to tackle stray dogs in and around the airport so that dogs are not found on the runway.”
“The agency has also been allotted Rs 7 lakh and we will be giving more funds. The agency has already began its work,” said Godinho.
“We have asked the airport to secure its fencing for any gaps, so that dogs cannot enter inside and this which has already been done.”
“The Navy is now in the process of getting the fences secured and after this is done, no dog will be able to go inside the Dabolim airport. Besides this, the NGO will catch stray dogs in and around the airport and relocate them to a different place or a shelter elsewhere.” “The stray dog menace and flights aborting take-off or landing because of stray dogs will soon be a thing of the past,” added Godinho.
The minister said he has also directed the Traffic Police and RTO to coordinate and ensure free traffic flow at the airport.
“Taxis have to be parked properly so that there is no hindrance to traffic movement. If discipline is maintained, traffic will be smooth.”
“This is an international airport and washrooms and the airport interiors also have been modified to give this airport an upgraded look. But the moment passengers come out, there is mad rush and drivers literally pull passengers to their taxis.”
“If people are earning a livelihood because of this airport, they have to be disciplined and tourists must feel good arriving here,” warned Godinho.
