Belagavi: Local farmers have opposed a preliminary survey for the proposed acquisition of 56 acres for the expansion of Sambra Airport, alleging that the exercise was carried out without prior notice or consultation.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/farmers-object-as-airport-expansion-land-survey-begins/articleshow/133617070.cms
Survey department officials resumed the land survey over the past two days to assess land sought by the airport authorities for future expansion works.
Farmers said the proposed acquisition could affect several families, as the land includes agricultural fields, wells and around 20 to 22 RCC houses. They have demanded that all affected landowners be issued official notices and provided complete details of the proposed acquisition.
Farmer Dilip Chavan said farmers should be taken into confidence before any decision is made. He also demanded that pending compensation from an earlier land acquisition be cleared.
The proposed acquisition of the additional land has been under discussion for nearly four years. Farmers have urged the district administration to address their concerns before proceeding further.
According to airport authorities, the additional 56 acres is required for approach lighting, runway expansion, taxi parking and vehicle parking facilities.
Sambra Airport currently covers around 300 acres. Authorities have said additional land is needed to meet growing air traffic and future infrastructure requirements.
Airport Director Thiyagarajan confirmed that the survey is underway and said a proposal for acquiring 56 acres has been submitted to the government. He clarified that the current exercise is only a preliminary survey and that further proceedings will be taken up after discussions with the concerned landowners and farmers.
Read also : Karnataka Reservoirs Hold 400 TMC Water as Rainfall Deficit Raises Summer Water Concerns
