Mining lobby behind Bellary airport project

Bengaluru: The powerful mining lobby has got the government to go ahead with the project of developing a greenfield airport in the mining district of Bellary despite opposition from farmers.
Chief Mnister B.S.Yeddyurappa said there was no going back on the airport project and dismissed the protests as politically motivated. There was no question of going back on the airport issue. The airport would come up on the site already identified”, said Yeddyurappa.
Janata Dal Secular supremo H.D.Deve Gowda had joined the protests against the airport, saying farmers land was being acquired for the project.
Farmers bid to hold a protest during Yeddyurappa's visit to Bellary proved futile as police arrested over 50 of the protesters.
Farmers wanted Yeddyurappa to drop the move for acquiring fertile irrigated land for the Bellary airport.
Mallikarjun Reddy, convenor of Chaganur-Siriwar Neeravari Bhoomi Rakshana Samiti, said Yeddyurappa had succumbed to pressure from the mining lobby.
15/03/10 Habib Beary/Sakaal Times

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Categories: Airports Mar 2010, New Mar 2010