Convener of Vijayapura Airport Horata Committee Dr LH Bidari told STOI that a delegation met minister MB Patil recently and he assured to complete it in next 2-3 months. “We, the committee members, are planning to visit the construction site and pressurize the government to expedite the work,” he said.
Arvind Muchkhandi, secretary of Bagalkot District Abhivriddhi Horata Samiti, said that Minister MB Patil has assured him to complete it soon. However, he has not cited any time frame. Airports at Vijayapura and Shivamogga were approved at the same time. However, Yediyurappa focused on the Shivamogga airport by sanctioning more funds during his tenure as CM. Due to the negligence of our elected representatives, construction and finishing work has almost come to a standstill in Vijayapura, he said.
He also informed that Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts have immense potential for tourism, horticulture and trade. “Monuments like Gol Gumbaz, Jamia Masjid, Ibrahim Rowza, Durga Temple at Aihole and Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal attract thousands of tourists from across the world, while the twin districts export horticulture products. If the Vijayapura airport becomes operational, the economy of the region will benefit,” he said.
Dr. Babu Rajendra Naik, President of the Tulsigirish Foundation, remarked that the Vijayapura airport is yet another example of discrimination against the North Karnataka region. “Regardless of party affiliation, all governments have done the same. However, we are planning a non-political agitation soon to pressurize the government to expedite the construction of the airport.”