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As Shivamogga airport gears up for flights starting August 1, Vijayapura people have been questioning the delay in the airport construction. The disparity was pointed out in Feb 2021 when then CM Yediyurappa sanctioned INR 380 crore, against the approved INR 389 crore for Shivamogga airport and sanctioned INR 95 crore, against the approval of INR 220 crore for Vijayapura. They claim that the discrimination continues, even though the ruling party has changed.
Dr LH Bidari, convenor of Vijayapura Airport Horata Samiti, told STOI that a delegation met minister MB Patil recently and he assured of completing it in another 2-3 months. “We, the Samiti members are planning to visit the construction site and to press the government to expedite the work” he added.
Arvind Muchkhandi, Secretary, Bagalkot Jilla Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti, mentioned that Minister MB Patil has assured him of completing it soon. However, he has not cited any deadlines. Airports at Vijayapura and Shivamogga were sanctioned at the same time. However, Yediyurappa concentrated on Shivamogga Airport by sanctioning more funds during his tenure as CM. Due to the negligence of our elected representatives, construction and finishing work has almost stopped at Vijayapura, he added.
The inauguration of the new integrated terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, will play a key role in boosting connectivity and tourism of the region. The project is built at a cost of INR 710 crore. Apart from this airport, three additional airports in Shibpur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell, as well as four water aerodromes, will be established by the govt with the investment of INR 150 crore.
He also pointed out that Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts have immense potential in tourism, horticulture and business. “Monuments like Gol Gumbaz, Jamia Masjid, Ibrahim Rauza, Durga Temple in Aihole, and Virupaksha temple in Pattadakal attract thousands of tourists from across the world while the twin districts export horticulture produce. If Vijayapura airport becomes operational, the region’s economy will benefit,” he noted.Dr Babu Rajendra Naik, president of Tulasigireesh Foundation, commented that Vijayapura airport is another instance of discrimination towards the North Karnataka region. “Irrespective of party affiliation, all governments have done the same. However, we are planning a non-political movement soon to pressurise the government to expedite the construction of the airport,” he said.
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