Tourist Taxi Operators and Shack Owners Protest in Goa Over Airport Rights

Protesters comprising tourist taxi operators, shack owners, and water sports facility operators in Goa's Pernem alleged their rights were ignored despite giving land for Manohar International Airport. They demanded Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's presence, criticizing the airport management's unilateral decisions. A meeting is scheduled with the CM on Friday.

Tourist taxi operators, shack owners, and water sports facility owners gathered in Pernem, Goa, to protest on Thursday, alleging their rights were ignored despite contributing land for the Manohar International Airport in Mopa.

They marched to the Pernem police station, demanding that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant address their concerns in person.

'The people of Pernem sacrificed their lands for the airport but have not received their fair share since its commissioning. The airport management is making unilateral decisions without consulting the CM, causing inconvenience to citizens,' said former Mandrem panchayat sarpanch Amit Sawant.

Another protester emphasized the need for a special tourist taxi counter for Pernem operators and a capped parking fee at the airport.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi and local MLA Jit Arolkar tried to persuade the protesters to withdraw their strike, informing them of a scheduled meeting with the CM on Friday in Porvorim. Despite this, the protesters insisted the strike would continue until Sawant met with them.

(With inputs from agencies.)