BELLARY: Survey of 700 acres of land near Chaganur and Siriwar villages in the taluk for constructing a new airport has begun.
The joint survey was launched by the revenue officials and representatives of MARG Limited, a private infrastructure development firm.
Mining baron Janardhan Reddy, who is in jail on illegal mining charges, had floated the idea of constructing an airport in Bellary.
Criticism from all quarters and quashing of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board’s (KIADB) notification of around 200 acres, besides his arrest, had put this public-private partnership airport project on hold since 2012.
The topographic survey is expected to be completed by Monday. Once the boundary has been marked, construction of a compound wall will commence, said a surveyor.
Around 900 acres of fertile land was acquired for the project in two villages. Land owners of around 700 acres have already received compensation ranging between `12 lakh and `16 lakh.
But, around 60 farmers had refused to give up their 200 acres and they even succeeded to get KIADB’s notification intended to acquire the land quashed.
Mallikarjun Reddy, who launched a legal battle against the acquisition of fertile land for the airport, told Express that the airport construction would deprive farmers of irrigation facilities in 3,000 acres.
Besides, two existing lakes, which have been providing irrigation facilities to around 800 acres located on the acquired land will be encroached upon, he said.
Deputy Commissioner Sameer Shukla told Express that as per the directions of the Infrastructure Development Department, the joint survey has commenced to fix the boundary for the proposed airport.