Odisha TV: Odisha: Monday,
23 September 2024.
As per experts, an airport can’t run without permission from DGCA. However, no permission is required from DGCA to set up airstrip for helicopters. Hence, further question mark has been raised whether it is an airport or airstrip in Malkangiri?
In a stunning revelation, it has been revealed that
Malkangiri Airport was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
just before the 2024 General Elections without approval from the Directorate
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
In a reply to an RTI query, DGCI informed that even an aerodrome license has not been applied for the management of Malkangiri Airport.
Now, a question mark has been raised whether an airport or an airstrip was inaugurated in Malkangiri on January 9, 2024? Why did Patnaik state a lie by announcing that Malkangiri Airport was inaugurated?
If the airport was not inaugurated, why so many advertisements were published in newspapers in this regard? Why so much public money was spent on false propaganda? Was it meant to dupe the innocent people of Malkangiri considering the upcoming election?
“DGCA has recently informed us that they have received no application for Malkangiri Airport so far. To dupe people and get votes from the people of Malkangiri and Koraput, they (the previous government) made this drama and inaugurated it overnight. However, it was washed out during the rainy season. Crores of rupees have been spent from the state exchequer for this purpose. The then Chief Minister was doing these kinds of false propaganda activities to improve his image and garner votes. Malkangiri is just an example of it,” said RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan.
“I would request the Mohan Majhi government to take steps to make the Malkangiri Airport operational as soon as possible,” said BJD leader Manas Madkami.
Meanwhile, as per experts, an airport can’t run without permission from DGCA. It is essential to have ticket counters for passengers, check-in facilities for security and other facilities in an airport. However, no permission is required from DGCA to set up airstrip for helicopters. Hence, a further question mark has been raised whether it is an airport or airstrip in Malkangiri?
“DGCA permission is mandatory for airports and aerodromes. Different facilities like check-in, check-out, fire fighting, luggage and passenger handling should have been there. Helicopter and small aircraft operations are made in small airstrips and DGCA permission is not required for it,” said aviation expert Captain Raj Mohapatra.
Notably, Malkangiri airport has been currently languishing in a sorry state thanks to the sheer neglect by the administration.
While the wall of the airport has reportedly collapsed, the road connecting the airport and the runway has been washed away due to heavy rain. There has also been waterlogging in the area. Moreover, to the utter dismay of people, cows and dogs have been frequently roaming in the main lobby and runway of the airport.
As per experts, an airport can’t run without permission from DGCA. However, no permission is required from DGCA to set up airstrip for helicopters. Hence, further question mark has been raised whether it is an airport or airstrip in Malkangiri?
In a reply to an RTI query, DGCI informed that even an aerodrome license has not been applied for the management of Malkangiri Airport.
Now, a question mark has been raised whether an airport or an airstrip was inaugurated in Malkangiri on January 9, 2024? Why did Patnaik state a lie by announcing that Malkangiri Airport was inaugurated?
If the airport was not inaugurated, why so many advertisements were published in newspapers in this regard? Why so much public money was spent on false propaganda? Was it meant to dupe the innocent people of Malkangiri considering the upcoming election?
“DGCA has recently informed us that they have received no application for Malkangiri Airport so far. To dupe people and get votes from the people of Malkangiri and Koraput, they (the previous government) made this drama and inaugurated it overnight. However, it was washed out during the rainy season. Crores of rupees have been spent from the state exchequer for this purpose. The then Chief Minister was doing these kinds of false propaganda activities to improve his image and garner votes. Malkangiri is just an example of it,” said RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan.
“I would request the Mohan Majhi government to take steps to make the Malkangiri Airport operational as soon as possible,” said BJD leader Manas Madkami.
Meanwhile, as per experts, an airport can’t run without permission from DGCA. It is essential to have ticket counters for passengers, check-in facilities for security and other facilities in an airport. However, no permission is required from DGCA to set up airstrip for helicopters. Hence, a further question mark has been raised whether it is an airport or airstrip in Malkangiri?
“DGCA permission is mandatory for airports and aerodromes. Different facilities like check-in, check-out, fire fighting, luggage and passenger handling should have been there. Helicopter and small aircraft operations are made in small airstrips and DGCA permission is not required for it,” said aviation expert Captain Raj Mohapatra.
Notably, Malkangiri airport has been currently languishing in a sorry state thanks to the sheer neglect by the administration.
While the wall of the airport has reportedly collapsed, the road connecting the airport and the runway has been washed away due to heavy rain. There has also been waterlogging in the area. Moreover, to the utter dismay of people, cows and dogs have been frequently roaming in the main lobby and runway of the airport.
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