A dispute between the forest and revenue departments over land use was resolved through discussions
The forest department will hand over 6.5 acres at Satram for the completion of the project, while the revenue department will provide an equivalent extent of land elsewhere to the forest department. The 800-metre runway, aircraft hangar and watchtower had already been completed. The forest department had objected to the construction of a retaining wall at the site and had also not permitted the tarring of a 400-metre stretch of road leading to the airstrip.
Idukki : Construction of the Satram airstrip in Idukki is set to resume after a dispute between the forest and revenue departments over land use was resolved through discussions. Construction had remained stalled for more than three years following objections from the forest department. The airstrip is being developed to provide flying training to cadets of the NCC air wing. A small aircraft and a helicopter of the Indian Air Force had also successfully carried out trial landings at the airstrip. However, a portion of the runway shoulder collapsed during heavy rain. The objections brought further construction to a standstill. After the new govt assumed office, MLA Syriac Thomas brought the issue to the attention of chief minister V D Satheesan. A joint meeting of the departments was subsequently convened to resolve the issue.
NCC has already handed over Rs 24 crore to govt for the project, of which Rs 14 crore has been spent. The wall is expected to cost around Rs 6.5 crore, the MLA said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
PWD has invited a tender for soil testing ahead of the construction of the retaining wall at the damaged section. Download the TOI App.