New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS): The final stage of land acquisition for the first phase of proposed mega airport in Greater Noida has been completed, but on a sombre note, as some land-owners protested lower compensation for their land.
While most of the land required for the Rs 30,000 crore project had been taken over by the government, protests erupted over few hectares. Land owners in case of nearly 20 hectares wanted higher compensation.
Farmers claim that the region was recently deemed as semi-urban, thereby, attracting lower compensation for land, while the area has been traditionally recognised as rural for many years.
With district administration not agreeing to the demand for higher land price, farmers resorted to agitation. They had a face-off with the administration on Monday and are not ready to back down on their demands.
A group of about 50 farmers allegedly turned violent and pelted stones on the officials including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate concerned. But with help of other farmers, who have already parted with their lands, the administration managed to control the situation.
An official claimed that the land acquisition process has been completed for the first phase.
Later, Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate B.N. Singh said that administration has taken possession of the required land.
Besides protests, farmers have also approached the Allahabad High Court, while some petitions have been dismissed, others are still pending.
In November 2019, Zurich Airport International AG was selected as the concessionaire for developing the airport at Jewar.
The company, headquartered in Switzerland, made the highest per-passenger bid for the airport. The Swiss company operates the Zurich Airport, and eight airports in Latin America.
"Under a 40-year concession, the Flughafen Zurich AG will build and manage the new greenfield airport in Jewar. The new airport will be located around 80 km south of Delhi and will be fundamental to accommodate the expected flight traffic growth rates in the National Capital Region," the company had said.
"The capital investment associated with the first phase is expected to amount to roughly CHF (Swiss francs) 650 million during the construction period of approximately four years. The first phase will be able to accommodate around 12 million passengers per year," it added.
The Noida International Airport will come up in a 5,000-hectare area and is estimated to cost around Rs 30,000 crore.
The first phase of the airport will be spread over 1,334 hectares and cost Rs 4,588 crore. It is expected to be completed by 2023.