Panaji (Goa) Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will head the to be proposed Mopa Planning and Development Area (PDA); while former MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate is all set to take over the new Greater Panaji PDA.

The Town and Country Planning Board during its recent meeting recommended to the State government formation of two new PDAs for North Goa- Mopa PDA and Greater Panjim PDA.

Sources confirmed that Parrikar will head the Mopa PDA, to fast-track the construction of Greenfield International Airport, which is expected to commence operation by mid-2020.

“Mopa airport is a bit controversial issue and hence, Chief Minister wants to head the PDA consisting the airport,” sources said.

On the other hand, as a thanksgiving, the BJP led coalition has offered Greater Panaji PDA chairmanship to Monserrate, who joined Goa Forward just ahead of Panaji by-elections in August.

“Monserrate will head the Greater Panaji PDA. Notification on the formation of PDA and its chairman is likely next month,” sources said.

Former St Cruz congress MLA had contested against BJP in 2017 assembly election, but faced defeat. In by-election, he extended support to Parrikar.