the goan I network
VASCO
A proposal seeking Navy’s clearance for all development within a 20-km radius of Dabolim airport has sparked off an uproar in the port town.
While Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) Chairman Clafacio Dias has demanded the urgent intervention of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as many development files are on hold, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida has blamed the district collector for issuing a circular without studying how many constituencies could be affected by the Navy’s diktat.
Speaking to reporters, MPDA Chairman Clafacio Dias on Wednesday said development in Mormugao taluka had been kept on hold because of the Navy’s proposal.
“As per my knowledge, the matter is sub judice before the High Court. When we fixed our first meeting with all members, the member secretary brought it to our notice that no project should be given NOC without Navy’s permission in an area of 20 km from the flying zone.”
“This is absurd. I have also spoken to the CM for his urgent intervention and he has convened a cabinet meeting on October 22. There will also be a hearing in the HC on November 4,” said Dias.
“Many files are coming to the MPDA every day, but we cannot give clearance without Navy’s NOC. As of today, almost all projects are on hold and development has been halted in the MPDA jurisdiction.”
“If the Navy insists on its NOC, there will be no development in much of Goa and this will paralyse people’s aspirations to construct houses and business establishments,” said Dias.
Vasco BJP MLA and former MPDA Chairman Carlos Almeida blamed the collector for issuing the circular without a proper study. “The collector should have conducted an enquiry after receiving the letter from the Navy before issuing a circular. A proper study should have been done to ascertain how many constituencies could be affected by the Navy’s proposal,” said Almeida.
“The 20-km radius would affect many parts of Goa and the Navy must immediately withdraw this proposal,” said Almeida.
