Post News Network
Keonjhar, Nov 23: The state government, in its efforts to develop airstrips across the state to make them fit for flight operations, is somehow turning a blind eye to the mineral-rich district, feel locals.
There are two airstrips in this district that are in need of immediate attention – one at Raisuan under Sadar police limits and the other at Tonto under Barbil tehsil area.
Renovation and expansion of Rangeilunda, Jeypore, Padmapur and Baripada airstrips is about to begin while those of Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh and Angul are likely to be increased to a length of 5,000 ft, sources said. In this context, it is difficult to fathom why the Raisuan and Tonto airstrips are being left out, say locals.
Raisuan and Tonto airstrips are located 230 km and 300 km away from state capital of Bhubaneswar respectively. Several businessmen and executives prefer using these airstrips to save time. Locals said the development of these airstrips would result in increased air traffic, which would be beneficial to the area in the long run.
While the government is on a MoU-signing spree with several companies, the demand for development of infrastructure in the district falls on deaf ears, they added.
According to reports, Keonjhar started featuring prominently on the world map after the demand for minerals shot up in the global market. The district has also played a significant role in boosting the economy of the state as well as that of the Centre. Though scores of companies evinced interest in setting up their businesses and industrial units in the district, underdeveloped infrastructure often compels them to shelve their plans, it is learnt.
Several top companies still operate from this district. But a lack of zeal on the government’s part in developing the local airstrips has triggered resentment among the locals. These two airstrips – both older than half a century – rose to prominence after the demand for minerals shot up across the world. While the airstrips come under the civil aviation department, one is being looked after by the Works department and the other by Jindal. These airstrips are often used by many private companies as well as by state government officials and ministers. Renovation of the strips would attract more flights and help in developing overall infrastructure of the district, experts said.
Earlier, private passenger aircraft used to land on these airstrips but those services were discontinued due to lack of adequate facilities and government patronage.
According to reports, the length of the Raisuan airstrip is 1,062 m and is 160 m wide. Similarly, the length of its runway is 920 m with a width of 30 m. The department gets only Rs 1 lakh a year for its repair and maintenance. An aircraft has to take prior permission from the Bhubaneswar airport to use the airstrips and has to pay the requisite fees to the Works department. Further permission from the district collector and the SP is also required.
On the other hand, the importance of Tonto airstrip has also increased as it is located in a mining area. Several officials of major mining companies use the strip for their visits to the region.
When contacted, executive engineer Umesh Chandra Mishra of the Works department said they do not have any knowledge of any plans to develop the airstrips.
