Mohali international airport project in name controversy

Mohali: Even as the decision on naming international airport project in Mohali hangs fire comes another controversy. It seems even christening the joint venture company to be formed for running the venture’s day-to-day affairs is going to be a challenge for stakeholders, including Punjab, Haryana and Airport Authority of India. As reports emerge that Punjab has already initiated the process to name the company, Haryana and AAI have expressed surprise on being not taken into confidence on the issue.
Sources said state government had requested GMADA to suggest some tentative names for the joint venture company, after which the officials concerned submitted names to Punjab chief secretary. These would now be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for final decision, sources added. The move has left other stake holders in the project, Haryana and AAI.
Sources said as Punjab government has already decided to name the international project after martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the joint venture company too would be named after him as this would not invite any opposition from Haryana and AAI.
Even after repeated attempts, neither chief secretary RI Singh nor GMADA chief administrator Vivek Partap Singh could be contacted for comments. Punjab civil aviation director, Gaggandeep Singh Brar, however, said he would be able to comment on the issue only after going through the files.
However, Haryana’s civil aviation advisor Anand Mohan Sharan has expressed surprise on Punjab government’s move. ‘‘All three stakeholders would decide the name. In special cases, Union cabinet can decide the name, but Punjab can’t do it on its own,’’ Sharan added. He added earlier too Punjab had taken the decision to name international airport on its own, but they (Haryana) were firm upon calling it Chandigarh International Airport.
25/05/09 Anand Bodh/Times of India

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Categories: Airports May 2009, New May 2009