Congress asks Goa BJP government to put Mopa airport on hold

The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) asked BJP-led Goa government today to keep on hold the proposed greenfield airport at Mopa, a facility which was approved by the UPA government.
CLP spokesman Aleixo Lourenco told reporters that the Mopa airport, for which land has been acquired, could wait until the state uses facilities at existing Dabolim airport to the optimum.
Lourenco said that a resolution asking the state government not to hurry the Mopa airport was adopted unanimously during the CLP meeting today which was attended by majority of its members.
He said that the Dabolim airport is being expanded with funds from the central government and its capacity would be enhanced.

"Until we have Dabolim airport used to its optimum level, the Mopa airport can wait," the CLP spokesman said, claiming that his party does not favour scrapping of Mopa airport.
The greenfield Mopa airport project planned in extreme North Goa is being opposed in South Goa due to fears that Mopa airport operations would lead to shutting down of the Dabolim airport, thereby affecting tourism in South Goa.