MARGAO
With the new international airport at Mopa expected to begin operations from the new year, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Wednesday demanded that the government come out with a tariff card for the taxis operating from the new airport.
Addressing the media, the South Goa MP said fixing the taxi tariff will ensure that locals as well as visitors to Goa are not overcharged by the taxi operators. “I am not saying the taxis should be fitted with meters. All the government can do is to fix the tariff from Mopa to various towns and villages which will go a long way in protecting the interests of the visitors,” he said.
South Goa MP further informed that he has taken up in Parliament the delay in granting scheduled tribe status to the Dhangar community. Saying the community should be bestowed with the ST status along with the Velips, Gawdas and Kunbis in view of the social and economic status, Sardinha hoped the government would also bring the Dhangars into the ST bracket.
Sardinha further said he made a mention of the demand of the villagers of Benaulim for the construction of the western bypass on stilts.
“I have made a statement saying that the bypass should be built on stilts considering the fact the alignment passes through low-lying areas and is prone to heavy rainfall during monsoons,” he said.
On the sound pollution norms, the South Goa MP said that the government should come out with a law, permitting social functions such as weddings up to 11 pm. He, however, said that the government should come down heavily on the late-night parties where loud music is being played throughout the night, causing a nuisance to the people.
Sardinha further pointed out that he has drawn the attention of the Union Transport Minister to the bad and unmotorable condition of the Anmod road, which is being used by Goan travellers.
