COIMBATORE: Farmers and residents of Chinniyampalayam and Irugur have expressed discontent over the Airports Authority of India (AAI) allegedly backtracking on its assurance to provide a 10.5-metre-wide approach road along the new perimeter wall of the Coimbatore airport expansion project.
The demand for the road has been a long-standing one, as the expansion is expected to cut off existing access routes for locals. For several months, residents have been protesting, seeking an approach road along the compound wall to ensure connectivity.
Three months ago, when AAI began construction of the perimeter wall, locals opposed it. Following their protests, the district administration and state government representatives intervened and urged AAI to consider the public demand. As per the plan, a 1,917-metre-long, 60-metre-wide approach road is proposed from Neelambur near Avinashi Road, opposite Le Meridien Hotel, to the newly expanded airport area.
Farmers demanded that instead of closing the entire stretch with a compound wall, AAI should leave 10.5-metre-wide service roads on both sides up to the airport campus and on one side along the airport premises till the western boundary up to SIHS Colony.
This, they said, would ensure connectivity up to SIHS Colony. After negotiations, AAI officials reportedly agreed to the demand two months ago and assured that a written announcement would be issued after discussions at its headquarters in Delhi.
However, farmers now allege that AAI has denied the proposal. During a meeting convened by the District Collector on Wednesday, officials informed that the proposal was rejected."We had demanded that the six-lane road with service roads on both sides be extended through the stretch. Earlier they assured us orally.
But now they say AAI has denied the proposal. They plan to cover the entire space earmarked for the road, leaving only 3.75 metres as service road, which is not sufficient for local traffic," said R Velumani, convenor of Vivasayigal Vazhvurimai Padhukappu Iyakkam. Approximately 2 km of Right of Way (ROW) road is proposed for the airport.
While one side of the stretch will be airport premises for around 1,750 metres, the other side comprises private lands. Locals want the compound wall to be built, leaving a 10.5-metre-wide road outside for public use. Farmers and residents said they will continue their protest until AAI gives a written assurance on the approach road.
