Residents demand airport to be named after the legend

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 13

As a tribute to Nek Chand, city residents have demanded to name the upcoming Chandigarh International Airport after him.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, who visited Rock Garden to pay tributes to Nek Chand, did not give a direct answer. He said everyone had their own view. “There are people who will carry forward Nek Chand’s legacy,” the CM added. Over the years, many debates have taken place between Punjab and Haryana governments and the Centre over the issue.

Earlier too, Chandigarh Airport Advisory Committee came up with the demand to name it as Nek Chand International Airport in 2011.

Assistant Media Adviser to Government of Punjab Vineet Joshi said the Chandigarh International Airport should be named after the legend in recognition of his great contribution to give an identity to City Beautiful.

Congress councillor Mukesh Bassi said the UT Administration should push for a proposal to name the airport after Nek Chand. “It will be a real tribute to the noble soul,” Bassi said. Similar views were shared by Baljinder Singh Bittu, president, Federation of Sector Welfare Association (FOSWAC). Raj Kumar Pal, president, Property Consultants Association, said they would meet UT officials to push the demand. Meanwhile, Congress president Pardeep Chhabra, has demanded to rename the Rock Garden as Nek Chand.