Mysuru, 11 June

The expansion of Mysuru Airport runway to support long-haul flights is set to accelerate, with the Karnataka government finalising land acquisition and initiating utility shifting works.

District in-charge Minister HC Mahadevappa announced on Wednesday that the government will soon hand over the remaining 10 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), completing the required 240 acres for the project. Of this, 230 acres have already been acquired and compensation disbursed to farmers.

Addressing the media after reviewing the progress meeting at the Zilla Panchayat, Mahadevappa confirmed the State cabinet has sanctioned Rs 101.82 crore for utility shifting. This follows a prolonged dispute with AAI, which refused to bear the cost. The State will now fully fund the work, which includes diversion of seven canals, two ditches, and rerouting high-tension lines. Completion is expected within six months.

To facilitate the runway extension, a new road will be developed, diverting traffic from the Mysuru–Nanjangud–Gundlupet–Ooty highway via Bandipalya, Hadajana, and other villages. 

The minister also announced government approval for water adventure sports at Kabini backwaters, involving multiple departments, while rejecting a proposal for a Kaveri Arathi-style event.

On environmental matters, he directed officials to reconduct a joint survey of deemed forest land—5,900 hectares in Mysuru district—with 5,000 hectares already surveyed. 

Regarding the proposed Film City at Himmavu Industrial Area, he instructed clearance of encroachments. Affected farmers will be offered employment in local industries, similar to those displaced by the Kochanahalli Golf Club project.