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Authorities in Srikakulam district are evaluating 1,000 acres of land near Baruva railway station for a proposed airport, following farmer protests over earlier site options in Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu mandals. The project requires 1,400 acres, of which 1,100 acres would need acquisition from farmers, sparking significant local resistance. Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving connectivity through new airports, including in Srikakulam. Balancing infrastructure needs with farmer concerns remains crucial, with transparency and fair compensation being key. A detailed feasibility report is being prepared to address local opposition and determine the project's viability.
Authorities in Srikakulam district are currently assessing potential sites for an airport in the Sompeta area. Revenue officials, led by Palasa RDO Venkatesh, recently examined land parcels near Baruva railway station. This is part of the ongoing effort to identify a suitable location for the proposed project. Advertisement
Previously, land near the Vajrapukotturu and Mandasa mandal borders was evaluated. However, protests from local farmers, concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, led officials to explore alternative sites. Around 1,000 acres of land in Baruva, Baruva Kotturu, Palasapuram, Lakkavaram, and Korlam has now been identified for further review. A report will be submitted to the government, and the consent of farmers from the concerned villages will be sought before proceeding.
Plans for the airport include the acquisition of over 1,300 acres of land near the under-construction Mulapeta Port. A joint inspection of potential sites in Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu mandals was conducted by a five-member team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and district revenue authorities, led by the Palasa RDO. The inspection covered areas such as Ganguvada, Bethalapuram, Lakshmipuram, Bidimi, Anakapalli, and Onkuru villages.
The project requires approximately 1,400 acres, of which 1,100 acres would need to be acquired from local farmers. Currently, only 300 acres of government-owned land is available in the identified mandals. Farmers from various villages in the region have expressed strong opposition to the land acquisition, citing its potential impact on their farming-dependent livelihoods. This resistance has prompted officials to shift their focus to the Sompeta area for alternative sites.
Meanwhile, Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasised the government's commitment to constructing several airports across the state, with Srikakulam being one of the proposed locations. According to the minister, the government is committed to improving connectivity and infrastructure by developing multiple airports in Andhra Pradesh, including one in Srikakulam.
The district authorities are working diligently to finalise viable options and will submit a detailed feasibility report to the government soon.
This proposed airport in Srikakulam reflects the government's ambition to boost regional development and improve connectivity. However, balancing the need for infrastructure with the concerns of local communities remains a critical challenge. Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure that any land acquisition is carried out with transparency, fairness, and adequate compensation for affected farmers.
The final decision on the project will likely depend on the feasibility report and the ability to address local opposition. The outcome will have a significant impact on the region's economic growth and connectivity, offering the promise of progress while requiring thoughtful consideration of its socio-economic implications.
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