Govt plans to expand airstrip in Ganjam

Berhampur: The state government has started the process for expansion of the existing airstrip at Rangeilunda in Ganjam district to operate choppers with 6 to 10 seating capacity. The government is also planning to acquire over 25 acres of land of nearby Berhampur University for the purpose.
The higher education department has sought a status report from the varsity’s registrar on the proposed land. “We will submit the report after a survey is conducted by the tehsildar, Kanishi, and after discussion with the vice-chancellor,” said P K Swain, registrar.
Earlier, the Ganjam administration had written to the higher education department seeking transfer of 25.672 acres of land in Kanisi tehsil to the revenue department for construction of the expanded airstrip, a source said.
“At least 80 to 90 acres of land is required for construction of the 2B-type airstrip. The present airstrip is built on around 35 acres. The government is planning to acquire over 25 acres of land belonging to the higher education department, and four acres each of the irrigation and works departments. Similarly, around 17 acres of private land will be acquired for the purpose,” said Prabhat Panigrahy, executive engineer, roads and buildings, Berhampur. He said the process has been started to acquire the required land.