However, at a time when Mysoreans were looking forward to such a happy scenario, there are new impediments which threaten the development of Mysuru Airport. It looks as if this project is jinxed!
An NOC from AAI
As per latest Notification issued by the Airport Authority of India [AAI] all new high rises within 56km radius of Mysuru Airport must get a No Objection Certificate [NOC] from AAI. It has released a color-coded zoning map for Mysuru airport, categorizing areas into Green, Pink, Yellow and Red Zones. These zones specify height limits for structures and natural obstructions that could endanger aircraft operations.
The zoning map indicates clear guidelines for safe urban development around the airport. Red Zone indicating the most-restricted area near the runway, surrounded by Yellow, Pink and Green Zones extending outwards. The local authorities, such as Mysore City Corporation, Mysore Development Authority; Nanjangud Town, and parts of Chamarajnagar and Mandya Districts located within 56km radius, have been informed to approve construction plans within their respective areas, only after the applicants receive an NOC from AAI. Telecommunications towers, already located and to be located in future within the said 56km radius areas also required to be governed by this NOC requirements.
Master Pan and the Implications of NOC
It is to be noted that the plans for expansion and development of Mysuru Airport have been in the public domain for more than two decades. During this very period Mysore-Nanjangud Master Plan-2031 had been in the public discussions, and was finally approved by the concerned authorities in 2014-15. As per this Master Plan the expanded urbanization area was to include lands between erstwhile Mysuru city limits and Nanjangud town limits. The Mysuru Airport, interestingly, is located at Mandakalli village, which happens to be, more or less, at the epicenter of this newly carved and expanded urbanized area!
Due to the overall effect of the Master Plan the private agricultural lands between these two areas have quickly converted into commercial and industrial plots. Even the KIADB has established several new industrial estates there. The land values have shot up geometrically. The urban area of Mysuru city has now gone beyond Mandakalli village and many residential layouts and buildings have sprung up here. Many such constructions are not very far away from the present airport boundary. Mysuru City Corporation has established one new Solid Waste Management unit on the land not very far away from the airport.
Mysuru is looking forward to all-round faster economic development, particularly after new Expressway between Mysuru and Bangalore which has reduced the distance between the two cities to just 90 minutes. This strong economic growth of Mysuru is also stimulated by the increased traffic congestions and cost of living in Bangaluru.
Will Devanahalli Movement Repeat?
Now it looks as if the Notification for getting a NOC from AAI, particularly for the areas which could come under the Red Zone, might have come too late! What will happen to high-rises already existing in the Red Zone? What will be the effect on the high land values in these Zones, as the 56km radius area also includes lands located in Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts? Since the NOC covers vast areas it will certainly generate very strong opposition from the land owners, developers and other interested parties. It is strongly rumored that much of these lands are under the ownership and control of politicians. Therefore, a land owners movement could be a very effective tool to corner the government to stall airport expansion projects.
Just a couple of days ago the Chief Minister agreed to the agitating Devanahalli farmers’ demand and withdrew the proposal to acquire 4000 acres land for establishing an Aviation Museum. Therefore, we will have to keep our fingers crossed and wait.
But there is one more news which does not augur well for the development of Mysuru Airport!
Location of Second Bangalore Airport
The Kempegowda Internation Airport [KIA] at Devanahalli, Bangaluru is reaching its optimal capacity very soon. Therefore, a second airport for Bangaluru has become necessary. MB Patil, Karnataka Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister, has proposed to the Airports Authority of India [AAI] three locations. Two sites are along Kanakapura Road- near Kaggalipura in Bangaluru Urban District and Harohalli in Bangaluru South [Ramanagara], and the third one is at Chikkasolur in Bangaluru Rural District along the Nelamangala-Kunigal road.
However, aviation expert Devesh Agarwal considers all the three sites not suitable. On the contrary, he has suggested that the new airport be located between Bangaluru and Mysuru. He has opined that “Besides serving several tier-2 cities in the south and southwest of Bangaluru, this new airport will also aid various industries in the region. The Bangaluru-Mysuru Expressway is an added advantage.”
It is noteworthy to recall my articles Demand for International Airport for Mysuru: Some Basic Issues. [Star of Mysore, 19th August 2020] and Has Mysuru Gone Bangaluru Way-3 –KIA Location: A Myopic Decision [Star of Mysore, 29th Dec, 2021] which had in detail elaborated on this issue and had pondered as to how instead of at Devanahalli, a location between Bangaluru and Mysuru would have been an ideal one.
Impact on Mysuru Airport Expansion
If the second airport were to be located between Bangaluru and Mysuru, then the expansion and development of Mysuru Airport will become redundant as second Bangaloru Airport, also an International Airport, will be only about 40-50 km away from Mysuru and because of the new Express Way it would be reachable within one hour.
Unfortunately, Mysuru’s airport seems to be cursed. However, being one of the oldest in the country, it may only remain as a heritage airport!
