PANAJI
Infact, Ashok Kumar Gupta, secretary, Ministry of Defence, wrote a letter to Dharmendra Sharma, chief secretary, in July. In the letter, Gupta wrote, "It is also pertinent to note that a committee was set up by Ministry of Defence in 2012 to look out for alternative venue for Aero India and the committee after going through all the merits and demerits, recommended Goa as a suitable venue for future defence shows."
"The Government of Goa may consider allotment of about 200 acres of land on the coastline, so that the permanent venue for conduct of Defexpo can be set up. The venue can be developed as a modern and ideal exhibition/convention centre, which would also add to the local economy in a significant manner. As Defexpo 2018 is scheduled in February 2018 and the time availability is very short, an early consideration in the matter would be appreciable," the letter further said.
However, Parrikar also informed the house that the land acquired by Goa Industrial Development Corp (GIDC) for food park/industrial estate at Betul is not reserved for Defence Expo. As per RP 2021, the zoning of this plot in Betul is "acquired by GIDC" and not "industrial". The managing director of GIDC has requested the CTP to change the use of the plot to "industrial".
