Mopa airport gets thumbs down yet again

Panaji: Protesting the acquisition of land for Mopa international airport, residents of surrounding villages said location of two airports within a radius of 70 km, excluding a third one at Chippi in Maharashtra will not be a feasible proposition considering requirement of volumes of traffic.
Villagers opposed the land acquisition at a public meeting at Sateri temple in Chandel, Pernem amidst allegations from members of the Dhangar community of threats received from some persons that their houses would be demolished soon for the proposed airport.
Pointing out that the Goa government had submitted a report 'Goa, a dual airport study' to Bombay high court at Goa, Sandip Kamble of Mopa Vimantal Piditt Xetkari Samiti said that it has raised doubts about the feasibility of a second airport at Mopa if the existing Dabolim airport is upgraded.
The international civil aviation organization (ICAO) had carried out the study at the instance of the Goa government.
A writ petition filed by villagers opposing the land acquisition process is pending before the high court of Bombay at Goa.
According to the report, the second airport needs volumes of passengers and it needs to be convenient and accessible to passengers. Kamble pointed out that Mopa airport is proposed to be set up in a corner of the state bordering Maharashtra.
06/12/10 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Dec 2010, New Dec 2010