A team from Airports Authority of India (AAI) faced the ire of villagers of Santhipuram mandal in Kuppam constituency in the district on Sunday when they arrived at Kadapalle village to inspect the lands where an airstrip is proposed to be developed.The four-member AAI team from New Delhi reached Kuppam by road via Chittoor in the morning, accompanied by the revenue officials. Knowing about their visit, the villagers rushed to the spot, and did not allow the officials to enter their lands. The officials heaved a sigh of relief with the villagers showing restraint while speaking to them, objecting the move to acquire their agriculture lands for the airstrip. Only three police personnel were said to be present for security to the officials, who later left without making any field visit at Kadapalle. It may be noted here that as a part of Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) plans, the officials have launched steps to acquire about 1300 acres of land for construction of airstrip. The villagers maintain that such a move would lead to eviction of about 600 families in about half a dozen hamlets.
