MIA - Runaway development issue gets serious concern at meet

MIA - Runaway development issue gets serious concern at meet

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 04, 2014:  At the quarterly KDP review meeting here on Nov 3 Monday, the minister for forest, environment and ecology and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge B Ramanath Rai said since the state government is required to fund the land acquisition cost for proposed extension of runway and the amount required for it is large, the issue was best placed before the CM for consideration. It is estimated Rs 1,000 crore is required.

 

The vital issue of extending present runway at MIA - Mangaluru International Airport at Kenjar near here to accommodate wide-bodied jets will be considered at a scheduled meeting with chief minister Siddaramaiah at Bengaluru on November 13. CM has given an appointment to the elected representatives from D K  district on that day to discuss and find out solutions to various issues pertaining to district.


  Discussing concerns expressed by Mangalore City North MLA B A Mohiuddin Bawa about delays in proposal to extend the runway, Bharat Lal Meena, district in-charge secretary said he had already taken up the case with his counterpart in the infrastructure development department. Observing there could be no takers to take up this project on a PPP mode, Meena said it is best that the state acquire the land and allow AAI to develop the runway.

Minister for health and family welfare U T Khader said the project would need at least Rs 1,000 crore for the proposed extension of runway entailed filling up a valley, and ensuring proper embankment to ensure its stability. Khader echoed Bava’s sentiments on the need to take up this project expeditiously for the simple reason that Kannur in Kerala, close to MIA too was going full steam ahead in developing an international airport there.

Dr Ashok D R, assistant commissioner, Mangalore sub-division said a 4/1 proposal has been drawn up to acquire 185 acres of land as against 285 acres sought by AAI for the project at an estimated cost of Rs 121 crore, with Rs 115 crore for land acquisition and the rest for rehabilitating the land losers. He said the revenue department had proposed land value cost that was four times the rates fixed by the concerned area sub-registrar. It was agreed the matter needed an early solution.