Coimbaotre MP P R Natarajan has strongly opposed the move to acquire farmlands for the proposed expansion of Sulur air base. The Indian Air Force had earlier requested the district administration for about 1000 acres for the expansion of the Sulur air base as part of the plans to improve the infrastructure.
Talking to Express here on Saturday, he said that the acquisition would affect farmers and compensation for land may not be uniform. “Any expansion for such public purpose will mean giving away huge tracts of farmlands. So, we will not allow this,” he stressed.
He further said, “We are unaware of any such proposal and if there is some it will not be allowed.”
But when contacted, a senior Air Force officials on conditions of anonymity said that any land for operation requirement can be acquired. Considering the strategic importance of the area the expansion was important. The air force had already proposed and demarcated 1000 acres for acquisition in Kalangal. Talks were already over with the district administration.