Bengaluru's Second Airport: 6,000 Acres Near Nelamangala-Kunigal

09 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Karnataka government has identified a 6,000-acre land parcel near the Nelamangala-Kunigal stretch of National Highway 75 for the planned second international airport near Bengaluru. A recent digital survey of the area was conducted using helicopters, and a preliminary map has been prepared. However, the initiative has sparked strong objections from local farmers. Recently, a special team of environmental officers and surveyors visited the site, which spans parts of Motagondanahalli, Nelamangala, Sompura, Yentaganahalli, and Soladevanahalli in three gram panchayats. SCP markers were placed during this ground survey, followed by a helicopter survey conducted several days later. This land, located near the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and within the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river basins, comprises fertile farmland and involves 13 villages across the three panchayats. Farmers are voicing significant concerns over the loss of productive agricultural land, with many seeking greater transparency from government officials. The lack of clear communication and evasive responses from officials during their surveys have intensified skepticism among the local farming community. Farmers, led by Nelamangala MLA N. Srinivas, are now calling on local representatives to intervene and halt the project, stressing that the welfare of farmers should take precedence over the development of the new airport. The chosen site was part of extensive deliberations intended to alleviate congestion at Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli. The Ministry of Big Industries had shortlisted five possible sites, including areas near Bidadi, Harohalli, Dabaspet, Shira, and Nelamangala, with the Nelamangala-Kunigal location ultimately receiving approval from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. This site also intersects with other significant infrastructure projects, such as the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway line through Hassan, the Bangalore-Mangaluru National Highway, and the planned Hemavathi water pipeline project. Solur is also slated for development as a suburban township. As opposition grows, including concerns from environmentalists, the future of the proposed second airport remains uncertain. (One India)

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