TNN Jan 20, 2013, 03.12AM IST
PANAJI: South Goa MP and Congress leader Francisco Sardinha said that he will safeguard the interests of the people of South Goa by ensuring that the Dabolim airport remains operational even after Mopa airport is built.
While addressing mediapersons on Saturday Sardinha said that the government has spent 380 crore on the new terminal at Dabolim.
In the same breath, Sardinha also said he supports the construction of the Mopa airport as he is thinking of the “requirements of the state in the next 50 years”.
With ‘Goemkar’, a new regional group recently holding a public meeting on the issue of the Dabolim airport, Sardinha said “Mopa is not a new issue…Land acquisition began seven years ago.”
“Don’t get carried away by groups of people who will not do anything in the interest of Goa,” he added.
Stating that he was the MP of South Goa, Sardinha said, “I will not do anything against the interests of the people. But we have to think 50 years ahead. I don’t want posterity to curse us.”
Sardinha said, “I want Mopa to be built, provided the highway from Canacona to Pernem is built first.” He felt if Mopa doesn’t come, another airport will come in Sindhudurg which will benefit Maharashtra.
He also condemned the deteriorating law and order situation in the state in light of increasing instances of rape as well as murder.
When questioned if he would be replaced as party candidate in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Sardinha said, “I am confident that I will be given the ticket.”
SOURCE: THE TIMES OF INDIA
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