Collector Urges Farmers To Offer Land For Kuppam Airport

TIRUPATI: Chittoor district collector Sumit Kumar on Wednesday urged farmers in Shantipuram and Ramakuppam mandals to come forward to give land for the proposed Kuppam airport, assuring them of compensation and rehabilitation in accordance with norms.

Addressing a gram sabha at Dandikuppam village in Shantipuram mandal, the collector said the airport project was being taken up as part of the government’s development plans for the Kuppam region under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

He said land acquisition would be carried out in accordance with the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Acts of 2013 and 2009, and that steps would be taken to address housing, agricultural land and livestock-related concerns of the affected farmers. A detailed report would be prepared and submitted to the government to ensure that eligible landowners receive compensation and other related benefits.

The collector said the proposed airport would facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce from Kuppam, Palamaner, V. Kota and Madanapalle to major cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai, enabling farmers to access better markets. He added that both the Central and State governments were working to make the airport operational by 2027.

According to him, the project is expected to generate employment for around 500 local youth and boost economic activity in Kuppam and surrounding areas, given the region’s proximity to Bengaluru.

Referring to welfare works, Sumit Kumar said development works worth about `210 crore were being implemented in SC and ST colonies during the current financial year through Central, Zilla Parishad and district funds, of which ₹120 crore has already been spent.