Image used for presentation. (Awakening)
Jagran correspondent, Jamshedpur. The UDAN scheme has received a 27 per cent hike to Rs 550 crore in the Union Budget, aimed at reviving unserved airstrips and increasing affordable flights to smaller towns, but East Singhbhum's Dhalbhumgarh airport is stuck with 150 km norms, environmental hurdles and government delays, leaving the district waiting once again.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has been given Rs 4,699.92 crore in the Union Budget, in which the allocation for the UDAN scheme has increased to Rs 550 crore from last year's Rs 434.50 crore.
The main objective of this scheme is to strengthen air connectivity in remote areas, which will encourage the development of small airports and helipads. But the project of Dhalbhumgarh airport near Jamshedpur still seems far from these goals. Its foundation was laid in 2018-19, but construction could not start even after six years.
The main problem is the 150 km rule, which prohibits building a new greenfield airport within 150 km of a functioning airport under the civil aviation policy.
Dhalbhumgarh is about 130-140 km from Ranchi Airport, which is stuck in this rule. Another major hurdle is environmental clearance. The airport area is in dense forest, which is part of the Elephant Corridor. The Forest Department refused to give NOC, as it could pose a threat to the environment and wildlife.
The issue was raised in January 2023, and in July 2023, 3.5 km of the approach road has been built, but Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Srivastava said the elephant corridor is under investigation. The Union Environment Ministry has sought clarification from the Jharkhand government on some points, and the Airport Authority of India will soon provide the necessary information.
Jamshedpur, which is the financial capital of Jharkhand, is currently dependent on Sonari Airport, which handles only short flights and is unsuitable for large aircraft. People have to go to Ranchi or Kolkata, which adds time and inconvenience.
Also read- GST Collections: Good news on budget day! How much is the government treasury filled? Know GST collection
Chyawanprash is a part of every Indian's life, it reduces diseases and increases energy.