PIL in Karnataka HC seeks Airport in Bhatkal; HC issues notice to Centre and State governments

Bhatkal 7 March 2019: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The High court of Karnataka has issued a notice to the central and state Governments regarding setting up of Greenfield airport in Bhatkal under Udan scheme. Sanjay Revankar, a social activist from Karwar in his Public Interest Litigation(PIL) claimed that an airport in Bhatkal which is commonly referred as ‘Mini-Dubai’ of Karnataka will help to create business opportunities in the town and also will also help in further enhancing and developing the nearest tourism spots including Murdeshwar, Idagunji temple, Gokarna, Jog falls among others. A bench headed by acting chief justice L Narayana Swamy also issued notice to Konkan Railway Corporation and the South Western railway as the petition has sought for an exclusive daily overnight train service from Madgaon to Bengaluru via Konkan railway line. Greenfield airport is a new airport which is constructed on an undeveloped site. As per the Government of India's Policy on Airport Infrastructures issued in December, 1999, No Greenfield airport will normally be allowed within a distance of 150 kms from the nearest existing airport. Constructing a Greenfield airport needs a large space. It has been said that the suitable land for such a wider space is found near hilly region of Mundalli i.e. Muttanakki ground. As there is no human habitant found there. (Bhatkallys News Bureau)