What next for Bangalore HAL airport?

Bangalore, Apr 10: The high court on Wednesday asked the Centre what it proposes to do with the HAL Airport after the new airport commences operations.

"We will not come in the way of Bengaluru International Airport coming into existence. But we want to know what you (Centre) want to do with the old airport in the light of the Parliamentary panel's recommendations. We also want to know about the technical aspects of the city having two operating airports,"a division Bench headed by Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph told ASG Arvind Kumar before adjourning the hearing to Thursday.

The Centre defended the closure of HAL Airport, citing economic considerations. Winner of The Times of India's Lead India initiative, R K Misra, advocate G R Mohan, senior citizen B Krishna Bhat and Bangalore City Connect Foundation filed PILs challenging HAL Airport's closure.

Land acquisition for Metro upheld

The high court has upheld land acquisiton undertaken by KIADB for the Bangalore Metro Rail project at Manavarte Kaval, Binnamangala, on Old Madras Road. Dismissing the plea of Purvankura Projects Ltd, challenging the aqcuisition of 2, 34,489 sqft, Justice Ashok Hinchigeri said as per SC's orders, a subsequent purchaser has no right to challenge acquisition.

The judge also extended the stay on acquisition of land on MG Road belonging to C D Medappa. The petitioners contended that KIADB had issued notices for land acquisition for a Metro station (presently Plaza Theatre), although enough land is available just 150 feet away.

OneIndia News