Gujarat’s oldest flying club gets eviction notice

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat’s oldest flying club, the Ahmedabad Gliding & Flying Club, is facing an existential crisis, with city airport authorities trying to evict it from the airport, so that aviation operations can be expanded.
The 50-year-old club developed its facilities at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport after it was allotted 3,000 square metres at the airport where it built a hangar. The club’s activities continued till 2003-04, but as traffic at the airport increased, it was forced to limit its operations.
As soon as the airport’s eviction officer issued notice to the club authorities on May 29, the club rushed to the Gujarat high court seeking protection.
Before the club moved the HC, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport director filed a caveat, anticipating the litigation.
Before the HC, the club submitted that it has been in possession of the premises since 1966, under an agreement with the director general of civil aviation (DGCA).
The club wanted to approach a tribunal against the eviction order, but the tribunal was not operational and it thus chose to approach the HC directly.
The airport authorities opposed the club’s contention that it could not be dispossessed of the premises. The authorities argued that the club does not have proof that the land was allotted to it by the central authority.
The HC, however, stayed the club’s eviction in June, as it has been in possession of the premises since 1966 and has set up infrastructure of considerable size.
During a hearing on Tuesday, the club could not show any authorization for possession.
The high court on Tuesday suggested it go to a civil court to resolve its problem first, and the club withdrew its petition.
The HC’s stay order with regard to the eviction, however, remains.