‘Airport to open soon for Goans from abroad’

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday that Goa International Airport, Dabolim, would soon be open for Goans to return from abroad. “The Goa airport was not selected in the first phase (of the eased lockdown), but will be in the second,” he said.
The state government had written to the Union government to open the airport so that Goans working abroad can return.
On Monday, PM Narendra Modi will hold a video conference meet with chief ministers. Sawant said that Modi is likely to discuss post-Covid-19 management, control of Covid, the economic situation, and other issues pertaining to it.
“This video conference meet is important as the future of the lockdown will be discussed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sawant said that if any Covid-19 case shows up in Goa, doctors are prepared to fight it.
He also said that around 8,000 people who had their own vehicle to travel in have left the state already, in addition to the trains and buses. He also said that over 2,000 people have entered the state since Goa was categorised as a green zone.
The CM said that some people are entering the state illegally by using ‘inside’ routes. “I appeal to people not to cross the border illegally, without doing a Covid-19 test. The state government will take strict action against those who enter the state illegally.”
On the economy of the state, Sawant said that there has been reduction of GST and VAT collection. “We have told the Union government about the exact financial situation of the state, and have also asked for financial help from the Centre.”