Hassan: CM BS Yediyurappa directed the senior officials of the infrastructure development department to take up the Hassan airport project under the UDAAN scheme at the cost of Rs. 175 crore.
As the first step following the direction of the State government, the district administration in 2007, had acquired 536 acres of land in seven villages.
Hassan airport project, being the brainchild of Hassan MP HD Devegowda, was allegedly neglected after laying the foundation stone about two decades ago.
To draw the CM’s attention regarding the airport project, JD(S) Supremo HD Devegowda and Hassan BJP MLA Preetam J Gowda met the CM separately.
As per the previous proposal, the initial decision was to construct the airstrip including a mud runway. The compensation to acquire additional land of over 200 acres to build an international airport after the revised project was fixed by the deputy commissioner.
To acquire additional land, the district administration also had issued notices for farmers of Bhuvanahalli, Sankenahalli, Lakshmisagara, Thendihalli, Davalapura, and G Milanahalli. The land has been abandoned since it was acquired.
Following the efforts made by HD Devegowda and Hassan BJP MLA Preetham J Gowda, CM’s decision gave wings to this project.
Talking about the issues of demanding higher compensation for additional land, Krishnegowda of Bhuvanahalli said that the job for one of the members of the family will let out the land for the project also hampered the project.
The project aims at the export of agricultural produce abroad and will be taken up by the State and the Centre on the basis of cost-sharing.
