AVIATION MINISTER-SPEAK >>
TOURISM
It will get a boost and this airport will be responsible for growth of the state
EMPLOYMENT
Jobs generated at the airport would be given to local youth on priority
DABOLIM FOREVER
Dabolim airport will never close down for civil flights, once Mopa airport is commissioned
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ACTIVISTS PROTEST
A group of activists staged a protest to oppose the Mopa airport. "We don't want any project which could adversely effect the environment. The people along with the flora and fauna must be protected,” said an activist.
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On Monday, I will visit Dabolim Airport to see what extra facilities we can provide there-----------------------------------------------------
- Suresh Prabhu
PANAJI: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu on Saturday explored the idea of handling air cargo at a larger scale at the proposed Mopa airport to generate revenue for the State.
He also stated that locals would get jobs on priority and stressed on the need to initiate skill development programs for the local youth in the aviation sector.
Prabhu was addressing a news conference after visiting the Mopa airport site to take stock of construction work. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Ayush Shripad Naik, Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar, Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte, Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma and Director, GMR Goa International Airport Limited K Narayan Rao.
GMR Goa International Airport Limited CEO R V Sheshan demonstrated the progress of the project.
Exploring the idea of handling air cargo at a larger scale to generate revenue for the state, the union minister said the Mopa airport could be a business hub for southern area to give boost for commerce sector.
He suggested that GMR could promote Mopa as a cargo airlift hub, with special cargo flight operations at night.
Assuring that Mopa Airport would be completed in stipulated time, Prabhu said: “Mopa airport will be a blueprint of Goa's all round development. Tourism in the state will get a boost and this airport will be responsible for growth of the state in various sectors as this project will generate lot of employment for people of Goa.”
He informed the media that employment generated at the airport would be given to local youth on priority.
Prabhu assured that the civil aviation ministry would never close down Dabolim airport for civil flights, once the Mopa airport is commissioned.
"On Monday, I will visit Dabolim Airport to see what extra facilities we can provide there,” said Prabhu.
Union Ayush Minister Shripad Naik said the Mopa airport would be a milestone in Goa’s financial as well as infrastructural growth, while Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar said the airport would help in the overall development of locals and would generate employment.
