South Goa MP Warns Dabolim Airport Closure Plan Temporarily Shelved, Conspiracy Persists
In a significant development concerning Goa's aviation infrastructure, South Goa Member of Parliament Viriato Fernandes has publicly claimed that the controversial proposal to permanently shut down Dabolim airport for all commercial and civil flight operations has been temporarily shelved by authorities. However, the parliamentarian issued a stern warning that what he described as a "conspiracy" to close the vital transportation hub remains an active and serious threat to the economic stability and growth prospects of the entire state.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy and Temporary Reprieve
Addressing journalists at a press conference held in Margao, Fernandes made explosive allegations, stating that the plan to close Dabolim International Airport is actually part of a much larger, carefully orchestrated political conspiracy. He specifically accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of masterminding this scheme, alleging that the party's state leadership in Goa has full knowledge and complicity in the matter.
"The official file proposing the shutdown was merely placed on hold; the dangerous move has not been permanently stopped or canceled," Fernandes declared emphatically. "The government's conspiracy has been exposed for all to see, and that is precisely why the closure proposal has been kept in abeyance for the time being." The MP vowed that he would not allow the plan to proceed under any circumstances, pledging to use all parliamentary and legal means at his disposal to protect Dabolim airport's operational status.
Political Storm and Clarifications on Regulatory Issues
This latest statement from Fernandes comes just days after he ignited a major political controversy by asserting that the Goa state government had formally given its consent to the central government to completely shut down Dabolim airport for commercial and civil aviation operations. Opposition parties across Goa had reacted with outrage, labeling the alleged move a "shocking betrayal" of the Goan people's interests and economic welfare.
In a proactive measure, Fernandes also confirmed that he has written an official letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, formally requesting the continuity of civil flight operations at Dabolim airport and highlighting its critical importance to regional connectivity and tourism.
Furthermore, the South Goa MP took the opportunity to clarify ongoing confusion regarding construction height restrictions in the vicinity of Dabolim airport. He explained that these restrictions were actually imposed by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation through an official circular dated September 30, 2015, and are not mandated by the Indian Navy, which operates the airport. "The Navy is simply complying with the directives issued by the civil aviation ministry," Fernandes stated, seeking to dispel misconceptions about the Navy's role in the matter.
Gold Smuggling Case Allegations and Vow to Pursue Justice
When questioned about the high-profile gold smuggling case that was investigated at Dabolim airport, Fernandes made additional serious allegations. He claimed that officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) faced "immense pressure" from influential quarters to prematurely shut down their probe into the smuggling racket.
Fernandes went further, alleging that a serving government minister was directly involved in applying this pressure to obstruct the investigation. He vowed to pursue this matter relentlessly through appropriate channels, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in such sensitive cases that impact national security and economic integrity.
The MP's statements have reignited debate about Dabolim airport's future, with stakeholders across Goa's political and business spectrum closely monitoring developments. The temporary shelving of the closure proposal provides a respite, but Fernandes' warnings suggest the underlying issues remain unresolved and potentially explosive for Goa's aviation landscape and economic future.
