Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100253540300.htm

Karnataka

‘Navy has never stood in way of Dabolim airport expansion’

Special Correspondent

Meeting discusses issue of Dabolim airport expansion
Suggestion made on partnership with Maharashtra
on setting up Mopa airport

PANAJI: The Naval authorities in Goa have said that they have never been a hurdle in the way of expansion and development of the Dabolim International Airport in south Goa. They said they had always cooperated with the State Government and the airport on the issue of expansion and increased civilian use of the airport that is at present under Naval jurisdiction.

Participating in a discussion on the expansion of the Dabolim airport and proposed construction of anairport at Mopa organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Wednesday, Commodore B.S. Parhar said, “When we have been all the time cooperating on the issue of expansion of infrastructure at the Dabolim airport and allowing maximum civilian use of the airport, adverse publicity doubting our role has hurt us.” A suggestion was made that the Government explore the possibility of having partnership with Maharashtra on jointly setting up the Mopa airport at Pernem in north Goa.