Marred by the delay in land acquisition, the Coimbatore airport expansion project is yet to take off even after 15 years. Of the total area of 627.89 acres under acquisition process, the State Government has so far awarded compensation to only 13 land owners.
Officials with the Revenue Department said that the acquisition process and awarding of compensation were currently pending (since March 10), as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force.
“The compensation has been given to only 13 land owners from seventh block coming under Uppilipalayam village on March 5. The process can only be continued after May 23 when MCC will not be effective,” said a Revenue official who is in the know of the developments.
The total area of 627.89 acres identified for acquisition is spread over 24 blocks in four villages. While a first instalment of ₹ 75 crore was allotted for awarding compensation, from which the 13 land owners received ₹ 1.6 crore, the Revenue Department is expecting allotment of a second instalment of ₹ 900 crore for acquiring lands coming under blocks 1,3,11,12 and 20, the official added.
According to Airport Authority of India officials, a significant share of the land to be acquired will have to be used for expanding the runway.
The current runway of 9,000 ft will have to be extended to 12,500 ft to welcome wide-bodied aircraft that are largely used for international services.
Also, the runway should have the width mandated by the Director General of Civil Aviation — 150 metres on either side of the runway from the centre line against the current width of 75 metres on each side.
Published - May 01, 2019 12:30 am IST
