The construction of new airport at Dharan, Sunsari seems uncertain due to lack of adequate land infrastructure. Ilam airport which received approval for construction at the same time with Dharan airport has already conducted test flight recently.
After the lack of adequate land management, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has not yet been able to initiate construction. With the decision of the government to make the airport, the Authority has already prepared the detailed study report and environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The leader of CPN Dharan, Chotlung Limbu has cited Dharan’s Mayor Tara Subba and Sub-Mayor Manju Bhandari for not showing interest in land management.
CAAN had set up a budget of 2 crores for detailed study for construction of the airport at Dadaghopa in Dharan-17. The Sub-Municipality has not been able to manage the land even though the Authority has prepared detailed study reports of the airport.
The local authority said that the work of the airport which started with the purpose of facilitating the internal and external tourists and passengers for easy travel has been in dilemma.
Engineer Pushpa Ram Neupane said the work of the initial phase of construction and the EIA report has been prepared but the further work can’t be expedited until and unless the land management procedures get the green signal.
At the beginning, the construction work of airport was initiated with the aim of operating twin-otter aircraft but later keeping the increasing urbanization and population the authority has started working on the basis of operating ATR 42 seated aircraft.
Authorities had submitted written letter to manage at least 18 Bigha land. However, due to the need of 40 bighas currently, the sub-municipality has been given the responsibility of land management.
