Over 700 acres were acquired for the site, but protests over the acquisition of irrigated land brought the project to a standstill.
Fourteen years after the state government acquired nearly 800 acres between Chaganur and Sirivara villages in Ballari taluk for a proposed airport, residents are once again urging authorities to restart the long-delayed project.
Initially envisioned as a major infrastructure boost for the district, the project has remained grounded since its announcement. Though land acquisition was completed, opposition from farmers and other hurdles halted progress.
Rakesh Reddy, a local resident, said that despite years passing since the acquisition, no visible development has taken place. “About four to five years ago, we were told the work would begin soon, but nothing moved. In 2022, the government even named the airport after Sri Krishnadevaraya and unveiled a foundation plaque with much publicity, yet the promise never materialised. A few months ago, Minister M. B. Patil assured officials that construction would begin soon, but there has been no action,” he added.
Farmers, who gave up their fertile land hoping for regional growth, now see their land lying unused as the project fades from the government’s focus.
Another resident noted that the defunct airport plan stands as a reminder of Ballari’s developmental neglect. Despite grand claims by successive governments about industrial progress, little has changed. Calling the project a “symbol of political apathy,” civic activists and locals expressed disappointment that both the BJP and Congress administrations have failed to fulfill their commitments.