Team Goemkarponn
MOPA: Former Deputy Chief Minister Babu Azgaonkar has strongly objected to the government’s decision to restrict access to the old road leading to Manohar International Airport and warned of a public agitation if the notification is not withdrawn immediately.
Addressing the issue, Azgaonkar said the government must not forget the contribution and struggle of local leaders and residents in ensuring the establishment of the Mopa airport project in Goa before taking decisions that inconvenience the public.
He alleged that the earlier main road connecting Nagzar to Shemche Advan, which served as an important route towards the airport, has now been shut for private vehicles and common commuters. According to him, the restriction has created hardships for villagers and regular travellers who relied on the road for daily movement.
Azgaonkar demanded that the government revoke the notification without delay and cautioned that failure to do so would compel local residents to launch a protest movement against the decision.
Meanwhile, Goa Forward Party North Goa District President Deepak Kalangutkar also criticised the BJP-led government over the issue, alleging repeated attempts to alter access arrangements at the airport.
Kalangutkar claimed that similar restrictions had earlier faced public opposition, forcing the government to step back, but alleged that the same move was now being reintroduced quietly through the old airport gate. He said the decision was causing unnecessary inconvenience to locals and villagers and urged the government to protect public access and listen to the concerns of Goans.
