Airstrip extension hangs in balance as farmers unhappy with land rates

Parveen Arora

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Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 3

The extension of the runway of the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, Karnal, for the landing of medium aircraft and small business aircraft may hang in balance as farmers are not ready to sell their land on the rate being offered by the state government.

The institute has been imparting training in flying with fixed-wing aircraft since 1967 for private and commercial pilot licences. Besides, it holds a course for aircraft maintenance.

Sources said farmers were demanding Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore as compensation per acre, while the collector rate was between Rs 35-40 lakh per acre. Negotiations were under way on part of the administration.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, during his visit to Karnal on Sunday, hinted at shifting of the aviation club to any place where sufficient and cheap land was available.

“We have decided not to acquire the land of farmers. Instead, we will negotiate with them. The process of negotiation for the project is under way,” Khattar had said during his visit.

Keeping in view the importance of the club, the previous Congress government had announced to develop this club as domestic airport.

The same was also announced by Ashwini Chopra, MP, and the CM during elections. There is a need of over 500 acres for the domestic airport. Instead of developing it as a domestic airport, the present state government has decided to extend the length of the present runway to 4,500 ft from the existing 3,050 ft, for which the Haryana Civil Aviation Department would have to procure 28 acres, two kanals and four marlas for the purpose, the sources said.

Interested farmers have been asked to submit the details of their land on the e-Bhoomi portal.

“I am not against the project, but I have demanded the rate I feel is suitable for my land,” said a farmer.

“We are making efforts for the extension of the airstrip. At present, there is some disagreement as farmers are demanding high collector rates,” said Aditya Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner.

Narender Pal Malik, SDM, Karnal, had been assigned the task, he added.