Media Release
Panaji, Nov 10: Union minister of defence A K Antony informed Shantaram Naik, MP in Rajya Sabha in a written reply to his question that the government of Goa has not so far granted NOC to hand over two islands requested by Indian Navy.
The Minister further informed Naik that Indian Navy has made a request for handing over “Grandi Island” (large) owned by private party having an area of 5,28,575 sqm and “Pikene Island” comprising an area of 2,78,525 sqm owned by the government of Goa.
He further said that these islands are located at a distance of less than 4 kms in the landing funnel of Dabolim Airport. This proposal has been made in order to address the security concerns related to aircraft operations from Naval Air Station Dabolim and the case is being processed as per existing regulations.