Karwar: The state government has given green signal to land acquisition for the civilian airport at Alageri village near Karwar. A total 87.14 acres will be acquired for the purpose, a notification issued by the state government said.

The civilian airport is being developed with the help of the Indian Navy whose airbase is coming up there under the second phase of Project Seabird.

The state government had requested the defence department to extend the facility of the Naval airbase to civilians, in order to boost tourism in the area. Though the Navy had agreed to this, it had put a condition that the additional land required to build the civilian terminal and runways should be provided by the state government. An MoU was signed last year between defence department and the Karnataka government.

Private land of 87 acres and 15 guntas in Alageri, Belekeri and Bhavikeri villages will be acquired in accordance with Section 19(1) and 19(2) of Land Acquisition Act, 2013, the notification said. Assistant commissioners Kumta and deputy commissioner Uttara Kannada have the powers to acquire the land. They should ensure that the entire amount required for the compensation is ready. The officials should also confirm that the same land was not acquired earlier, the notification said.

Though there is resistance from some quarters for land acquisition, most are reportedly willing to give away their land. The airport is just 35km away from Goa border and a large number of the tourists are expected to come to Karwar airport as Goa airport is already crowded and will be shifted to Mopa in North Goa soon.