Poll code hits land acquisition for Gannavaram airport’s expansion

The payment of compensation could be a violation of model code of conduct hence the proposed acquisition may take some more time, according to officials. File Photo: V. Raju

The Gannavaram airport expansion process is likely to take some more time as the district administration is awaiting orders from the government for land acquisition.

The payment of compensation could be a violation of model code of conduct hence the proposed acquisition may take some more time, according to officials.

“The model code of conduct will not come in the way for land acquisition process. But, the payment of compensation will attract provisions of code,” said an official, who didn’t want to be identified.

However, the official said that there shouldn’t be any problem in going ahead with acquisition process as the payment of compensation would come into picture at the end.

The government would acquire little above 490 acres for the expansion .

Notwithstanding, there is a talk in the villages that the government is likely to pay Rs. 35 lakh to Rs. 1 crore per acre.

The government is proposing to acquire 243 acres at Buddhavaram, 133 acres at Kesarapalli and 115 acres at Ajjampudi villages.

Resistance from farmers

Initially, there was resistance from farmers towards acquisition but it subsided after assurance from officials that compensation will be paid according to the New Land Acquisition Act.

The acquisition process is now suspended as the officials are yet to receive guidelines on payment of compensation and orders to go ahead with the acquisition.

The district higher-ups are not willing to comment on the compensation to be paid to the farmers saying that they are yet to receive the guidelines on fixing the price. They, however, are quick to add that the compensation will be agreeable to the farmers who are giving their lands.

The State government had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion and development of the airport in 2007.

As per the MoU, a modern passenger terminal building and hangers were to be built by 2009.

The ILS and Automation of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) were some of the major developmental works taken up after the 2007.