MARGAO
Announcement made by Qatar Airways to shift its operations to the Manohar International airport at Mopa has evoked strong reactions from the Opposition, including the Congress and the Goa Forward party, besides individuals, demanding that the government take proactive steps to protect Dabolim airport from closure.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao was quick to point out that one after the other, airlines are shifting to Mopa and the government remains a silent spectator. “Is this the part of larger conspiracy to convert Dabolim into air cargo terminal for aerial coal transportation? Will Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant speak?" questioned the Opposition leader.
Yuri referenced previous warnings issued in 2022, highlighting his concerns regarding Dabolim potentially becoming a "ghost airport."
“I had warned the government in 2022 that Dabolim Airoprt will turn into a ghost airport. I had urged Chief Minister Sawant to take proactive steps to ensure Dabolim Airport continues. Unfortunately, BJP Government is deliberately ignoring the shifting of operations by various airlines.”
He added: “We have seen in the last two years a sharp decline in passenger movement and airline activities at Dabolim. The government has failed to come out with a comprehensive action plan to ensure that Dabolim International Airport continues.”
The Opposition leader has expressed suspicion that the BJP government may "pay lip service" to the people of South Goa until the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ultimately closing Dabolim and handing it over to coal transporters. He even raised the possibility of the naval base being relocated to appease the BJP's "crony club."
Expressing confidence in a potential Congress-led coalition forming the central government in 2024, Yuri declared the party's commitment to ensuring Dabolim's continued operation. He urged Goans to support Congress in the Lok Sabha elections and "defeat the BJP's gameplan."
Vijai seeks explanation
Meanwhile, Goa Forward Party Chief Vijai Sardesai demanded on Monday that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant clarify why airlines are abandoning Dabolim despite his assurance to the people of Goa that it wouldn't happen.
"The exodus from Dabolim continues. Is the government lying?" Sardesai questioned, adding, "Despite the Goa government's repeated assertions that the Goa International Airport at Dabolim will not be allowed to shut down, the daily news indicates the opposite."
"Both domestic and international airlines are one by one packing their bags and moving to Mopa. The growing concerns of passengers from South Goa are genuine and justified, and I have repeatedly and strongly voiced their fears both in the Assembly and publicly," he said.
'Blatant disregard for livelihoods of people'
Youth leader Warren Alemao has said the government’s decision to permit Qatar Airways to relocate from Dabolim Airport to Mopa Airport is a grave error that will seal the fate of Dabolim Airport.
"This decision is a blatant disregard for the livelihoods of the people of South Goa dependent on tourism and will only exacerbate the existing economic challenges faced by the region,” Warren said.
Saying the short-sighted action will have long-lasting negative consequences for South Goa and its people, Warren said, “Such irresponsible actions demonstrate the government's failure to prioritise the welfare of its citizens and safeguard the region's economic interests."
