Karnataka: Mini-airport to come up in Athani

BELAGAVI: The government has planned a to build a mini-airport at Athani, a border town in Belagavi district, to give a boost to business. If the project comes through, the mini-airport will be the second airport in the district.
Athani MLA Mahesh Kumathalli had written a letter to the government, urging it to establish a mini-airport, to help businessmen and the public from the region. Following this, the Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (KSIIC) had asked to suggest a location to build the airport.
Athani taluk revenue officials have identified 200 acres for building an airport at Yalihadagali village in Athani taluk. On August 23, the DSIIC and taluk revenue department officials visited the spot for an inspection. The people in Athani are happy at the development.
Positive development: Businessman
Anand Jain, a businessman from Athani, expressed happiness over this news. He said that an airport is needed, as the taluk has five sugar factories, and other businesses, like export of grapes, pomegranate and commercial crops.
“However, if we have to travel to other states, we need to go to Belagavi airport, which 150km from Athani. An entire day would go in this, which is burdensome. Moreover, Athani taluk is located near Vijayapura, Solapur, Pune and Badami, which are places of historical importance, and also pilgrimage sites. If Athani has an airport, it will be easy to visit these places,” he added.
Tahsildar Suresh Munje said that revenue department and DSIIC staff have visited a spot at Yalihadagali, to inspect if it is suitable for an airport. “As our taluk is in a border district, our department and the local MLA are trying to develop new the infrastructure here. Efforts will continue to develop an airport in Athani taluk. We have submitted a report to the state government, and we hope they will soon take a call on this,” he added.