Report from Rubiya Shaikh
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SP)
 
Panaji, Sep 20: Goa`s Congress minister Churchill Alemao has alleged, that a few high-profile politicians and businessmen have planned to set up hotels and resorts in Konkan belt of the state and hence, are pitching for Mopa international airport to serve their selfish interests.
 
"If Mopa airport materializes, Dabolim airport will have to be closed down. Once that happens, Goan economy will be in doldrums," Alemao, who had earlier led agitations against the proposed greenfield airport at Mopa, said.
 
Alemao is a Congress legislator and public works department minister in the Digambar Kamat–led state cabinet. The leader had floated his own outfit, 'Save Goa Front(SGF),' breaking away from the Congress during the 2007 Goa Legislative Assembly elections and later returned to the Congress fold.
 
The SGF, which had been opposing the proposed Mopa airport, also had this issue as it's main agenda, but it failed to make headway in Goa`s politics.
 
"The entire game plan behind the strong demand for the Mopa airport, is backed by a desire to develop Konkan belt as a tourist spot. This will adversely affect Goa`s economy, which is largely dependent on tourism. The tour operators will take the guests to Konkan, although they would be wooed in the name of Goa," Alemao predicted.
 
Mopa airport is proposed right on the Goa – Maharashtra border in the North district, dotting Konkan belt, which is planned to be developed as a tourism attraction.
 
He said, that a few high-profile and influential politicians and businessmen have plans to open around 100 hotels in Konkan belt, which will cater to the tourists using the proposed Mopa airport.
 
"I had realized this game plan long back, and I wonder as to why other leaders have not been able see through it as yet. Goa will be finished, if Mopa airport is built", the minister warned.
 
He also said, that the Konkan belt has scenic coastline, which runs through places like Deogad, Malwan and others.
 
"Once Mopa airport becomes operational, Dabolim airport will face imminent closure. No tourist will come to South Goa, as they will have to travel such a long distance," Alemao feared.
 
The minister said, that during his recent meeting with United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he had raised the issue, with a request for the expansion of Dabolim airport on priority.
 
"We will not need two airports, once Dabolim is expanded." he analysed.
 
He explained, that a few legislators, who were earlier opposing his stand, have now started realizing that Mopa airport will be detrimental to the tourism industry of Goa.