On 22nd Oct 1999,the Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro writes to
Ravindra Gupta, Secretary of Civil Aviation
“..I would also like you to take action on our agreement
to have an International Airport at North Goa, the process for which can be
initiated immediately’
Why did Luizinho wanted the new Airport to start immediately?
The Chief Miniter Francisco Sardinha writes on 21st February 2000 to Civil Aviation
Minister ‘..I wish to request you for your intervention in the matter for an
early decision(on Mopa Airport)’
April 13, 2013 a front page interview on V Ixtt with
Former Rajya Sabha MP John Fernandes
‘..I have a long discussionwith Ajit Singh, the Civil Aviation Minister,
he say once Mopa Airport is Commissioned, the Dabolim Airport will be entirely
taken over by the Navy’
Video 1: 6 candidates declare their full support for Dabolim only
Churchill Alemao, Reginaldo Lourenco, Swati Kerkar, Savio Rodrigues,
Shalom Sardinha, Raju Mangueshkar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSTzjxaeBMo
Income and Expenditure: Receipts:
Collection during the First meeting Rs.72,700
Other Donations 94,300 Total: 1,67,000
Expenditure:
Printing and Stationery Rs.42,000
Meeting all over Goa 82,000 (excluding this one)
Press Conferences 10,500
MOPA inspection 6,700
Lawyer's fees 20,000 Total: 1,61,800 Balance at hand: about 5,000
Last year...
Opposition to MOPA is growing, many in favour of retaining Dabolim Airport as the only Airport of Goa. Many even feel including some MLAs/Ministers that Navy should shift it's base to nearby Karwar Seabird which is about 100kms from here. Dabolim is centrally located where as the proposed MOPA is located at the extreme north (Closer to Maharastra State border). http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk8/1236885025/sizes/l/in/photostream/ One of the main reasons where people oppose the proposed MOPA airport is that they fear that existing Dabolim Airport will be closed for civilian use once MOPA is commissioned on the grounds of National Security. Goa's Anjediva Island near Karwar which was handed over to NAVY with a condition that Goans or Civilian people will be given access to the Island i.e. 2nd Feb every year so as to enable them to celebrate traditional feast of Our Lady of Brotas at the Church (Oldest Church) located on the Island. However, Navy refused to entertain Civilians on the day giving security reasons. Now, people feel, Dabolim Airport too will be lost on similar grounds when Goa has two airports.
Goans for Dabolim only
Public Rally at Lohia Maidan, Margao - Goa
On 15th May 2013 where 6 MLAs including two ministers also attended the meeting some pics and videos here
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