Goa’s Dabolim airport faces strategic dilemma
The recent statement by South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes regarding the possible takeover of Dabolim Airport by the Indian Navy has once again brought into focus the delicate balance between national security and regional necessity. While the Goa government has reiterated that civil aviation operations at Dabolim will continue, concerns among Goans remain palpable. Dabolim Airport is not merely an airstrip. It is the lifeline of Goa and plays a crucial role, especially for South Goa. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that Dabolim is, and has always been, a naval air base, INS Hansa, operated by the Indian Navy. Its proximity to INS Kadamba, home to the ambitious Project Seabird at Karwar, underscores its importance in safeguarding the Arabian Sea corridor. Following Operation Sindoor, which has reportedly led to a reassessment of coastal defense preparedness, it is only natural that the Centre would prioritise military readiness. If the Ministry of Defense determines that expanded naval control over Dabolim is strategically essential, the state government would have limited scope to override such a decision. National security, after all, remains paramount. There is a growing fear that rather than an abrupt closure, civil operations might be gradually curtailed by way of regulatory constraints that can make civilian usage increasingly impractical over time. It would be prudent for the Goa government to seek a clear, unequivocal statement from the Centre as to whether civil operations at Dabolim will continue alongside naval operations.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Gold stolen
On Jan 25 a young man met with a self-accident when his car rammed into a coconut tree at Anjuna. His brother received a video call from a constable, a driver of a police jeep, informing him about the accident. Later the young man died and the family were handed over some of his gold ornaments and belongings. The brother filed a case that gold ornaments worth Rs 7 to 8 lakhs was allegedly stolen by the constable and an FIR was registered by the Anjuna police (NT February 12). This happening is a sad commentary on the state of policing in Goa. It is shocking that a constable who is duty-bound to help an accident victim, ends up robbing the valuables. Maybe it happens in other States too. If so, such demeaning actions needs to be nipped in the bud and the rogue cop is to be punished beside being suspended from the service.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Save River Mandovi
It is not only the Panjimites who have long been opposing the presence of offshore casinos in the Mandovi river, but also the people of Goa, because of their polluting effect and destruction of city life and the environment. Enough of damage has already been done during the ‹Smart City ‹ project, and now it appears to be the turn of the Mandovi river with the entry of the giant casino vessel, six times the size of the one to be replaced. The lackadaisical approach by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to the gravity of the situation is borne out by the absence of the Councillors from the scheduled meeting called by Panjimites earlier last week to thrash out the impending dangers and the statement given by mayor Rohit Monserrate that he has no role to play in the mater and that the CCP also has no role in issuing trade licences to offshore casinos. Who then may we know is responsible for such matters and illegalities?
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Critical rail link
The ‘Chicken’s Neck corridor,’ also called Siliguri corridor, is a strategically sensitive land area in West Bengal linking the eight northeast states with the rest of India. Bordering Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and near Tibet’s Chumbi valley close to China, the corridor is heavily guarded, as any disruption here can have far-reaching consequences. In a historic move, India recently announced a 35–40 km underground railway connecting Rangapani and Tin Mile Haat stations in West Bengal using advanced tunnel technology. The Centre’s initiative sends clear signals to China and Bangladesh, as an underground railway can reduce potential military threats while improving connectivity for civilians. Moreover, continuous cargo and essential supplies flow, along with uninterrupted military movement through the corridor, are additional benefits.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Tribute to Maheshwari
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most sober and dignified voices in journalism and among the finest news presenters of our time. We remember her as a noble soul whose narration and soothing voice will never fade away. She inspired generations of broadcasters with her professional integrity and linguistic finesse. She became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated India’s news space. She delivered Hindi bulletins for nearly three decades, from 1976 to 2005, admired for her flawless diction and calm authority.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
