CM cites hurdles in Kannur airport runway expansion plan

The issues related to land acquisition for extending the runway at Kannur International Airport to 4,000 metres have become complex for several reasons, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan informed the Assembly on Thursday.

The government had issued administrative sanction on December 27, 2016, to acquire 99.92 hectares for extending the runway from 3,050 metres to 4,000 metres. Though the land acquisition notification was issued in 2017, the process is yet to begin.

In addition, the affected residents have boycotted the hearings, rejecting the rehabilitation package proposed by the government. They have been demanding either the original rehabilitation and resettlement package approved during the airport’s initial land acquisition or ₹15 lakh. A special package of ₹10 lakh had earlier been sanctioned for displaced families, similar to the compensation provided for land acquisition for the runway and safety area at Calicut airport. However, the affected families have expressed dissatisfaction with this package.

Further, the proposed acquisition of 99.3235 hectares in Keezhallur village, estimated to cost ₹942.93 crore, is now under review. The Chief Minister said the land was entirely unsuitable for runway expansion as it lay at a significantly lower elevation than the airport and would require a massive volume of soil to be filled. It was not a viable site for a runway. He said it remained unclear why a notification had been issued in the first place, causing hardship to local residents.

“Consequently, the government is currently examining the matter. We are evaluating what steps can be taken to address the issue and alleviate the difficulties faced by the people. A decision on this will be reached as soon as possible. As regards the package for land acquisition in other locations, a decision will be taken soon after further discussions with those affected,” he said.