KANNUR:As several defence and paramilitary forces are establishing centres to strengthen its base in the coastal region of Kannur, the new airport will support the defence departments by providing space to the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The decision, which was agreed in principle, would see the end of tunnel once the draft plan submitted by the Navy and Air Force would be accepted in the discussions that are expected to take place in the coming days.
With China, flexing its muscles in the coastal regions, especially the Indian ocean, the Ministry of Defence is being cautious while ensuring better facilities around the coastal region. Keeping this in mind, the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard have strengthened its presence in South India in the last few years.
While the Navy has an academy here at Ezhimala, the Coast Guard now plans to set up one in the district too. For the Air Force, which does not have any base or office in the district, an area inside the airport would give it presence in the region.
By providing space at the new airport, the defence forces can be at ease to utilise the facilities for their purpose, including strengthening the security and operational efficiency in the region during emergencies.
“The Navy and Air Force had initially requested to allocate about 10 acres of land each for the purpose. With adequate space available and another few more acres planned for acquisition, keeping in mind future airport expansion, the Navy has now again demanded for another 10 acres of land,” said G Chandrammouli, managing director, Kannur International Airport Limited. A decision in this regard would be taken soon. The Navy requires further land to build a residential facility as well. Both the Air Force and Navy will also require the land to set up an apron to park their planes here. There has been no discussions for separate runways yet, he added.
The Coast Guard too has shown interest in this regard and have also demanded for an area to carry out their operations from the airport. The discussion is in preliminary stages, the managing director added.
Despite efforts, the Defence officials could not be contacted for comments.
Boost to Security
The Navy: Requested airport authorities to allocate about 10 acres of land.
Has an academy at Ezhimala. Further land required to build a residential facility.
Air Force: An area inside the airport would give its presence in the region.
Both the Air Force and Navy will also require the land to set up an apron to park their planes
Coast Guard: Demanded an area to carry out operations.