Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has categorically assured the Goa delegation that there is no proposal to hand over the entire Dabolim International Airport to the Indian Navy and that civil aviation operations will continue in the interest of the state.
Speaking after meeting the Defence Minister in New Delhi, Sawant said the assurance clearly dispels speculation about the possible closure of the airport for civilian use. In a statement issued late Monday evening, he accused the Opposition of creating unnecessary confusion among the public over the issue.
“After our meeting with the Defence Minister, it is absolutely clear that civil operations at Dabolim airport will continue. There is no plan to transfer the airport to the Navy,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister said he, along with Minister for Industries and Panchayats Mauvin Godinho, highlighted the importance of retaining civilian flights at Dabolim for the growth of tourism and the overall development of Goa. He added that Rajnath Singh gave a firm assurance that Goa’s interests would be protected.
The delegation that met the Defence Minister included Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Industries and Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, and BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral.
Sawant reiterated that there is no proposal under consideration to discontinue civil operations at Dabolim International Airport and that the airport will continue to cater to civilian passengers.
