Locals demand job quota at proposed Mopa airport in Goa

A local outfit has demanded 90 per cent reservation in jobs at the proposed airport at Mopa village in Pernem tehsil in North Goa.
Devendra Prabhudesai, convenor of People for Mopa International Airport (PFMIA), today said here that the demand would be put before the state government.
Goa already has an airport at Dabolim, which is an Indian Navy facility where civilian flights are also allowed.
Prabhudesai said that more than 6,000-7,000 people from the Pernem tehsil (which borders Maharashtra) could be employed at the new airport.
There is opposition to the proposed site from politicians in south Goa, who apprehend that airport at Mopa would benefit neighbouring areas in Maharashtra more. But Prabhudesai claimed it was a myth promoted by a few leaders from South Goa's Salcette belt.

"Goa will be benefited largely by the new airport. And if few parts of Maharashtra benefit, then we should not be objecting to it," he said.
PFMIA has also demanded that Dabolim facility should be shut down for civilian flights, so that the Naval base there can be strengthened, which would be in the national interest.