GA-AIRPORT CIRCULAR-GOVT

The Goa government has strongly

objected to the Civil Aviation Ministry's circular, which

makes it mandatory for people living within 20 kms of Dabolim

airport to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the

Navy for any kind of construction activity.

Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai

Sardesai Friday said he would take up the issue with Civil

Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Following the ministry's circular, South Goa District

Collector Tariq Thomas had issued an order in November last

year making it mandatory to get an NoC from the naval

authorities for constructions around Dabolim airport, located

inside INS Hansa naval base.

Talking to reporters here, Sardesai said the matter

came up for discussion during the Goa Town and Country

Planning Board's meeting held on Friday.

"We have received a circular from South Goa Collector

saying that 20 kms from the aerodrome anything that is

constructed or erected...even a tree planted, should come with

an NoC from the naval authorities," Sardesai said.

"I am aghast that this kind of circular can be

issued," he said adding that the board has taken a strong

objection to the circular, which will affect a major part of

Goa.

"South Goa collector has fallen prey to the tactics of

the naval authorities and has issued the circular. This is a

serious issue," he said.

"We are not going to agree to anything of this sort. I

also going to take this up with union civil aviation minister

because this is an issue of Goa's identity as a state," the

minister said.

"Goa is not a naval enclave. It is not the case that

the Portuguese have gone and the Navy has come to Goa," he

added.

Sardesai pointed out that in April 2018, the Bombay

High Court had cleared height restrictions for Mumbai.

"The height restriction in Mumbai is 300 metres. In

Goa, the maximum height is 24 metres. If they are clearing 300

metres in Mumbai, what is the issue in Goa? We are condemning

this," he said referring to the circular.

The circular issued by the collector says, "With

respect to Dabolim airport (Goa airport) which is a defence

airport, it is to be noted that, haphazard development is

taking place around it due to the absence of clarity with

respect to the colour-coded maps and adherence by local

authority or municipality to ensure that restrictions are

adhered to."

"In order to ensure safety and as a measure of

enforcement...it is necessary that as an initial step for all

the areas/villages in Mormugao taluka, in the event that

conversion cases are considered, NoC from the Naval

Authorities is to be obtained and any conditions given by the

Naval authorities are to be incorporated," the circular reads.

PTI RPS

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