Airport expansion attracts 300 objections

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

More than 300 objections have been raised against the expansion of the runway at the Chikalthana Airport. The last date for filing objections is March 16, after which hearings will be held. Meanwhile, the District Administration has instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to assess the value of approximately 700 properties that will be affected by the expansion. After the land assessment and finalisation, a proposal for fund will be sent to the government.

Currently, the length of the airport runway is 9,300 feet, and the proposal is to extend it to 12,000 feet. A total of 147 acres of land will be required for both the runway and taxiways. Land acquisition will take place in the villages of Chikalthana, Murtuzapur, and Mukundwadi. In the state budget of March 2023, a financial provision of Rs 734 crore was allocated for the airport land acquisition. Afterwards, an initial fund of Rs 68 crore was received for the first phase.

After the appointment of the Special Land Acquisition Officer, a preliminary notification under Section 11 (1) for the acquisition of 58 hectares of land was issued on January 8. A 60-day period was provided for objections. After the hearing of objections, the final notification under Section 19 will be issued.

Compensation amount after assessment

The special land acquisition officer Vyanket Rathod said,” After the valuation of the affected properties, the compensation amount will be determined. The Sub-Registrar of the Registration Department will establish the valuation based on ready reckoner rates and the purchase-sale transactions of the land. After assessing all properties, a request for funds will be submitted to the government. The aim is to complete the land acquisition within 9 months.”