lambasting the authorities for delay in launching international flights from Chandigarh International Airport limited, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday observed that the land acquired for the public purpose should be restored back to the villagers as the international flights had failed to take off.
The observation of the court came during the resumed hearing of petition filed by Mohali Industries Association against non-operation of the Chandigarh International Airport. Pulling up the concerned authorities for delay in the start of international flights, the High Court said that it wanted to know from seven domestic airlines operating from Chandigarh whether they were willing to operate international from here.
In the matter, Assistant Solicitor-General of India Chetan Mittal informed the court that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation had nothing to do with inviting airlines for starting flights from the airport. Its job was limited to providing necessary approvals. He
asserted that it was up to Chandigarh International Airport limited to invite airlines for starting flights.
Taking a serious note of the reply, High Court questioned why should the land acquired for Rs 1400 crore project be not restored to 320 villagers, if the authorities could not start international flight despite huge investment.
“When you were not interested in launching international flights, why hundreds of people were forced to give their land for the international airport building. It amounts to cheating the people of the region. Why not the flights operation is shifted to old building and land of international building is restored to poor farmers,” the Bench observed.
Issuing notice to all seven airlines running domestic operations from Chandigarh, the High Court has asked them to file replies on difficulties in running international flight from Chandigarh by May 10.
During the hearing, the court was told that immigration and custom facilities had been made functional at the airport.