Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The land acquisition process for expanding the Chikalthana Airport runway is underway, with 147 acres to be taken over. So far, over 350 objections have been received against the preliminary notification. Hearings will begin next week at the sub-divisional office.
The current runway, measuring 9,300 feet, is insufficient for future international flights, prompting the need for expansion. Affected areas include Chikalthana, Murtijapur, and Mukundwadi.
The government has allocated Rs 734 crore for the project, of which Rs 68 crore has been released in the first phase. A preliminary notification under Section 11(1) was issued on January 8 for acquiring 58 hectares. Citizens had 60 days to submit objections.
Hearings and compensation
“Objections will be reviewed next week. The final decision will follow under Section 19,” said Venkata Rathod, special land acquisition officer. Under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, affected landowners will receive compensation at four times the ready reckoner rate.