Mangaluru: Mulki-Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian has criticised the management of Mangaluru International Airport, alleging that it is adopting a “dictatorial approach” and failing to address several issues affecting local residents and transport operators.
Kotian raised the concerns at the Dakshina Kannada District Development Coordination and Monitoring (DISHA) Committee meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat’s Netravathi Hall on Saturday. He alleged that airport authorities were causing inconvenience to residents in the surrounding areas and were showing little regard for elected representatives.
Kotian questions airport management
Speaking at the meeting, Kotian stressed that the airport is an important gateway to the coastal region and should take into consideration the concerns of local residents and stakeholders.
Referring to the airport’s management by the Adani Group, he clarified that the facility had not been sold to the group but had only been given on lease.
“Let it be remembered that the airport has not been sold to the Adani Group. It has only been given on lease,” Kotian said.
The MLA alleged that several issues raised with the airport authorities had remained unresolved despite assurances. He called for greater accountability and intervention by the district administration to address matters concerning the public.
Welcome board replaced with advertisement
Kotian highlighted the issue of a welcome signboard installed on Town Panchayat land along the airport road.
According to him, the signboard had been installed to welcome tourists visiting Tulunadu and to highlight the region’s identity. However, he alleged that airport authorities removed the board and replaced it with a jewellery advertisement.
Kotian said the airport authorities had promised to reinstall the welcome signboard within 15 days. However, he claimed that two years had passed without the board being restored.
The MLA questioned why the assurance had not been honoured despite the considerable period that had elapsed.
Auto drivers face charges
The MLA also raised concerns over charges allegedly imposed on auto-rickshaw drivers who enter the airport premises to pick up passengers.
He questioned the arrangement and said the issue was causing difficulties for local transport operators who depend on airport passengers.
Kotian also highlighted the concerns of taxi operators regarding parking facilities. He said taxi operators had paid more than Rs 18 lakh but were allegedly not being provided adequate parking space at the airport.
He urged the authorities to consider the difficulties faced by transport operators and ensure that adequate facilities are made available to them.
Rainwater enters nearby houses
Another issue raised by Kotian was the alleged failure of airport authorities to address rainwater entering nearby houses.
He claimed that residents living in the vicinity of the airport were facing problems during rainfall as water was entering their homes.
With the region experiencing significant rainfall during the monsoon, Kotian stressed the need for the authorities to address drainage-related concerns and prevent affected residents from facing repeated inconvenience.
He urged the airport management and district administration to examine the issue and identify a permanent solution.
MLA seeks meeting with airport authorities
Kotian called upon the Dakshina Kannada district administration to convene a meeting to discuss all the issues raised by him.
He suggested that the meeting should be held under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV.
According to the MLA, bringing the airport authorities, elected representatives, district administration and other stakeholders together would help resolve the pending issues.
The demand comes amid concerns over facilities and arrangements affecting residents and transport operators around the airport. Kotian maintained that issues concerning the public should receive timely attention and that assurances given by the airport authorities should be followed through.
A coordinated discussion involving the district administration and airport management could provide an opportunity to address concerns related to the welcome board, transport charges, parking facilities and rainwater management.
For now, the MLA has sought direct administrative intervention, with the expectation that a coordinated discussion will result in concrete measures to address the issues raised at the DISHA meeting.