Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured he will take up the case of 2.25 acres of disputed Naval land at Dabolim airport which is being demanded by the Goan authorities. The ongoing dispute is between the state government and the Indian Navy.

According to a report in the Times of India, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, said, "I have raised the issue of disputed land with the Prime Minister and he has agreed to take it up with the Navy. Now Navy has to agree to transfer the land."

A toral of 9.93 acres have already been handed over by the Goa government to expand the airport. The national highway was to be realigned by 90 metres so that the proposed expansion of the airport would not be affected.

When questioned over whether the Dabolim aiport would be closed after the opening of a spanking new airport at Mopa, Parrikar replied in the negative. "This is a 500-crore project and it is considered a profitable one. Goa government has spent 100 crore directly or indirectly and is anyone a fool to spend so much money to allow it to close?" he asked adding that the upgraded airport would be so good that no one would even consider shutting it down.

The Dabolim aiport is currently being jointly operated by naval and civil authorities. It is strategic as the Indian Navy’s air squadrons armed with Mig-29k naval fighters are stationed there. It is the closest airport to the strategically vital Seabird naval base which is considered the Navy’s pride and will house vessels of the western fleet including nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier.