In a significant development for air connectivity in the Kumaon region, Pithoragarh's Naini Saini Airport is set to be transferred from Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) within the next week. This strategic move will enable the operation of larger 72-seater aircraft from the facility, marking a major upgrade from the current 42-seater operations.
Expansion Plans and Land Requirements
The transfer follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between AAI and the state government on November 9, outlining the airport's development pathway. To accommodate the larger aircraft, the airport requires significant expansion covering 53 hectares of land currently owned by the Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) at Jajardewal.
Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai confirmed that the expansion plan involves demolishing approximately 50 buildings on the identified land. The AAI will finalize the detailed expansion blueprint once the control transfer is complete, setting the stage for substantial infrastructure development at the airport facility.
Administrative Push for Smooth Transition
During a crucial meeting held on Saturday involving AAI officials and various departments, DM Bhatgai issued specific directives to revenue officials to expedite the transfer process. He instructed them to complete land verification and measurement procedures, thoroughly check all land documents, and ensure compulsory land entry in official records.
The district magistrate emphasized the importance of prompt transfer to enable the next phase of airport development to commence without delays. Additionally, he ordered the creation of a comprehensive inventory of government property, equipment, machines, and buildings within the airport premises. Departments were directed to produce estate reports, material classification details, and documentation of their current condition.
Local Concerns and Opposition
While the airport expansion promises enhanced regional connectivity, the project faces resistance from local villagers. Residents have expressed opposition to the new land acquisition, demanding that the government first fulfill previous promises made to the community.
Local resident Mohit Joshi highlighted the community's concerns, indicating that villagers seek resolution of pending commitments before supporting further land acquisition for the airport project. This opposition presents a challenge that authorities will need to address while moving forward with the development plans.
The transfer to AAI represents a crucial step in Uttarakhand's aviation infrastructure development, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity in the strategically important border district of Pithoragarh while addressing regional connectivity needs.
