AP govt may shift Palasa cargo airport to Tekkali amid farmer protests

Srikakulam: The proposed cargo airport in Palasa assembly constituency may be shifted to Tekkali following protests by farmers over land acquisition. Revenue sources said that they had received oral orders from higher officials to identify suitable alternative land for the airport in Tekkali. If the Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu land was not materialised for the airport, then the alternative site is likely to be in Santabommali mandal.Interestingly, Santabommali falls under the Tekkali constituency, represented by the agriculture minister Acchennaidu, a stronghold of the TDP. The project is part of a broader push to develop nine new airports in the state to improve connectivity and economic development.The state government, in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), earlier proposed a greenfield cargo airport near the Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam. The authorities planned 1,400 acres in Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu, of which 1,100 acres were to be acquired from farmers. The site was chosen for its proximity — less than 25 km from Mulapeta port — making it ideal for cargo movement.Of the 1,400 acres, around 1,100 acres must be acquired from farmers. However, farmers have resisted the acquisition, citing the loss of cashew and coconut groves. The airport was planned to complement the upcoming Mulapeta Seaport and support the transport of goods, particularly from the Uddanam region.AAI and AP Airport Development Corporation (APADC) agreed, and the site was almost finalised. The Palasa revenue division officer Venkatesh told TOI that they were pushing the project by creating awareness among farmers that the airport would pave the way for the development of the region."Initially, any project would face resistance from the locals, and later it would get the green signal. Here also, a few farmers are opposing the project. We are trying hard for the project. Decision on the change of site for the airport will be taken by the govt," the RDO said.