Srikakulam Cargo Airport Faces Potential Relocation to Tekkali Constituency
The proposed greenfield cargo airport in the Palasa assembly constituency of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, is now facing a significant shift in location following widespread protests by local farmers over land acquisition issues. Revenue department sources have confirmed that they have received oral instructions from higher officials to begin the process of identifying suitable alternative land parcels for the airport project within the neighboring Tekkali constituency.
Original Site Selection and Farmer Resistance
The state government, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), had initially proposed developing the cargo airport on approximately 1,400 acres of land near the upcoming Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam. The specific locations identified were in Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu areas, with about 1,100 acres earmarked for acquisition from agricultural landowners.
This site was strategically chosen for its proximity to the port infrastructure, being less than 25 kilometers from Mulapeta, which would facilitate efficient cargo movement and support regional economic development. The airport was envisioned to complement the Mulapeta Seaport and enhance goods transportation, particularly benefiting the Uddanam region.
However, farmers have strongly resisted the land acquisition, expressing concerns about losing valuable cashew and coconut groves that form the backbone of their livelihoods. This opposition has created substantial hurdles for the project's advancement at the originally planned location.
Alternative Site Exploration in Tekkali
If the Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu land cannot be secured for the airport development, authorities are now considering Santabommali mandal as the primary alternative site. Interestingly, Santabommali falls within the Tekkali assembly constituency, which is represented by Agriculture Minister Acchennaidu and is considered a stronghold of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Palasa Revenue Division Officer Venkatesh acknowledged the challenges, stating, "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 government."
Authorities have been working to create awareness among farmers about the potential regional development benefits of the airport project, but the resistance has persisted, prompting the exploration of alternative locations.
Broader Context and Strategic Importance
This cargo airport initiative is part of a larger state government strategy to develop nine new airports across Andhra Pradesh to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth. The project had reached an advanced planning stage with agreement between AAI and the AP Airport Development Corporation (APADC), with the site nearly finalized before the land acquisition challenges emerged.
The potential relocation to Tekkali represents a significant development in this infrastructure project, highlighting the complex balance between development initiatives and agricultural community concerns. As authorities continue their search for suitable alternative land, the final decision on the airport's location will ultimately rest with the state government, which must weigh both the strategic economic benefits and the social impact on farming communities.
