Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai speaks on the Mopa airport issue in the Assembly.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
MAPUSA
Goa Forward Party leader and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday raised concerns about the operations at Mopa International Airport, revealing that the airport closes by 10.30 pm and claiming that no Goan staff are present after 10 pm.
Sardesai, addressing the media alongside Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira, questioned whether this situation was due to normal operations or something more unusual.
“I don’t know if it’s a normal or paranormal activity, but the fact is that Mopa airport shuts down at 10.30 pm, and no Goan employees are seen at the airport after 10 pm,” Sardesai stated.
He noted that while the Mopa airport has limited night-time operations, Dabolim airport used to operate late into the night. “How many landings are taking place at Mopa at night? Dabolim airport was operating late into the night. Why this difference is for you to find out,” he added.
Sardesai criticised the government for allegedly favouring GMR, the airport’s developer, and labelled the airport project as a “scam.” He accused the government of bending over backward to accommodate GMR and claimed that the cabinet note extending the revenue holiday to GMR was prepared outside of official channels.
“The government is pickpocketing itself. It is cheating the Goan people,” Sardesai said.
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira echoed these concerns, emphasising that the Supreme Court’s directive to establish a green belt around the airport was intended for environmental protection, not merely for aesthetic purposes. Ferreira indicated that the opposition would review the relevant documents and consider their next steps.
“We may challenge the government’s decision to grant a tax revenue holiday to GMR and assess whether it is justified, as well as address non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions,” Ferreira said.
