Goa: Minister for panchayats Mauvin Godinho meets defence minister Rajnath Singh over buildings near airport

PANAJI: Minister for panchayats Mauvin Godinho on Friday spoke to defence minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him about the ongoing tussle regarding construction activity around the Goa International Airport and naval airbase INS Hansa.
Godinho also conveyed the concerns of local builders regarding the lengthy process to obtain construction clearances from the Indian Navy for residential and commercial structures around the airbase.
While bidding goodbye to the Union minister, who was on a two-day visit to the naval base at Karwar, Godinho submitted to him a memorandum. Singh flew back to Delhi from INS Hansa.
“Presented a memorandum to the defence minister of India regarding the difficulties faced by the people residing in and around the airport. Additionally, a copy of the memorandum presented to me by Credai-Goa was enclosed listing all the related issues,” Godinho said.
Godinho, Credai-Goa and locals are upset about the construction restrictions imposed through the colour coded zoning map (CCZM) for Goa International Airport. As per the current process, any construction within close proximity of the airport needs permission from the Indian Navy. However, builders have argued that it takes at least three to six months to obtain permission from the Navy.
“I have further requested an audience with Singh to resolve all issues. A meeting is to be called in New Delhi at a later date,” he said.