Naik opposes govt's decision to allot land to Navy in Goa

Panaji, June 10: Rajya Sabha MP from Goa Shantaram Naik on Friday, June 10 opposed the state government's decision to allot five acres of land to Indian Navy for a Naval Enclave to be developed at the proposed Greenfield airport coming at Mopa.

The Defence ministry had proposed a naval enclave at the new airport which has been approved by state government. "Indian Navy shouldn't be given land at the proposed International Airport at Mopa. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has once again played treacherous game against Goa's interest," Naik told reporters here today.

Goa's existing airport at Dabolim is run by the Indian Navy. The foundation stone for the greenfield airport in north Goa is expected to be laid this year and first phase is likely to be commissioned in year 2019.

Defence Minister Manihar Parrikar had earlier said the proposed greenfield airport at Mopa will have a separate Naval enclave for which five acres of land would be earmarked. Naik suggested that it would be ideal if the entire naval operations from Dabolim is shifted to Mopa leaving the current airport for use of civilian aircrafts.

"It is shocking to learn that our own man (referring to Parrikar) is insisting on giving land to Indian Navy when he has failed to get back the land occupied by navy in the state," he said. "Indian Navy in the past has harassed Goans in the name of security and to allow it to grab land at Mopa would be disastrous for the state," Naik alleged.

PTI