Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who discussed the issue with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his Delhi visit told reporters, "This land is required for the creation of fuel bunkers and parking slots. Due to shortage of parking, the planes have to go back to Mumbai for night halt," he said.
Although the Navy runs and maintains the airport, the expansion project is to be undertaken by the AAOI.
Meanwhile, the state has also sought relaxation from the Centre to allow certain zones to be exempted from sound pollution norms to help tourism industry.
Parrikar said he has apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the issues faced by tourism industry due to implementation of Noise Pollution Act, which makes it mandatory to stop the music by 10 pm.
The government can identify certain areas within the state, which are far away from habitations, where music can be allowed till late night, Parrikar said.
When asked whether such a relaxation would promote rave party culture, he said that demarcation of these areas would help the law enforcement machinery to keep a watch.
"Special tourism zones can be created in area where people do not reside. Relaxation in playing music can be given in these areas so that people are not disturbed," Parrikar said.
He also said that the present sound pollution norms were affecting traditional Catholic weddings, which usually continue till late night. PTI RPS ABC
