Begumpet runway extension opposed

Our Bureau

HYDERABAD, Dec. 4

THE move to extend the runway of the Begumpet airport here has raised environmental concerns and residents of Secunderabad are opposing its construction.

A petition is being filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction against the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

In a separate development, members of the Save Secunderabad Environment Committee, which was formed to oppose the runway expansion, have decided to organise protests against the AAI and the State Government.

This move follows a recent AAI decision to demolish about 60-70 structures in the Secunderabad area, which they maintained was contrary to the undertaking made in the court. They also contended that the mandatory environment impact assessment study had not been undertaken.