Airport looses its greenery due to lack of maintenance

NAGPUR: On one hand Mihan India Limited (MIL), the airport operator company of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is claiming to develop more landscapes and gardens near the terminal building and carrying out plantation on approach road, on the other its officials have no reply on the slowly dying existing lawns and newly planted palm trees.
Sources at airport claimed that exactly five years ago, as part of Airport modernization project, the one-km approach road was widened to four lanes and was also beautified with landscaping and plantation on adjoining land. Further in bid to beautify the entrance to the airport premises and give airport a greener look, gardens were developed and landscaping were carried out.
However, due to MIL officials and private contractors' apathy the trees are dying and the lawns are losing its lustre, resulting in the airport premises and approach roads wearing a barren look. In addition, the figures of mother and child, deer, camel and other species of animals created from various plants and installed just near the entrance of airport terminal, are also missing, sources informed.
Since last three months of summer, most of the plants, lawns have either dried up or are suffering due to lack of maintenance. Many are stooping due to absence of support and may die soon. Even the palm trees planted by one of the biggest industrial group are also on the verge of dying, sources informed.
"Many passengers are surprised to see pathetic condition of airport premises which was once a green field," said Nikhil Rokde, a resident of Pawanbhommi, who regularly goes to airport for an evening walk.
He said that few months ago the road from Hotel Pride to the parking of Airport emerged as the favourite haunt for young couples to spend winter evenings because of the lush green lawns and cool weather. The spot was also frequented by people, especially families to sit on the lawn on either side of the road, he added
A senior MIL official requesting anonymity admitted that lawns and trees planted on approach road are gradually dying due to lack of maintenance and water scarcity at the airport area. However he said, MIL has finalized plan to appoint new contractor for its maintenance who will start work soon on the project.