from daijiworld's special correspondent
Panaji, Jul 10: Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane on Sunday said that the need for proposed international airport at Mopa in North Goa would be re-examined by a committee nominated by Prime Minister regarding the total question of setting up Mopa airport.
"The land acquisition process for airport is kept on hold as there is a six member committee nominated by Prime minister to advise the Prime Minister regarding the total question of setting up Mopa airport," the chief minister said replying to a question in the state legislative assembly.
The Goa legislative assembly session which began Monday afternoon will wind up on July 31.
International airport at Mopa was under shadow following strng oppose to it by cogressmen led by member of parliament Churchill Alemao.
The chief minister said that international civil aviation organization (ICAO) has been paid around Rs 230 lakh in February 2004 for the management consultancy services in connection with the preparation of techno economic feasibility report.
Besides, an amount of Rs 4,31,984 has been paid to Hyderabad based M/s L&T Ramboll as a part payment for environment impact assessment study, reply reads.
Rane stated that the committee has decided that in the short run, the upgradation and expansion of existing Dabolim airport should be implemented on priority by union government and in the long run, the need for proposed Mopa airport would be further examined by the committee.
Read more on Mopa, from Daijiworld archives: