Controversy Clouds Over Hisar Airport's 'Repeated' Inaugurations

Hisar Airport, Haryana's first and only airport, is once again in the spotlight as Chief Minister Nayab Saini prepares to inaugurate it on June 20. However, this event has stirred controversy, with the Hisar Sangharsh Samiti (HSS) questioning the need for repeated inaugurations when the airport is not yet operational for passenger flights. 

Jitendra Shyoran, president of the HSS, pointed out that the airport has been inaugurated several times before. He criticized the BJP leaders, including Civil Aviation Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta, for misleading the public about the airport's status. The HSS plans to protest the upcoming inauguration, arguing that it's unnecessary and potentially a misuse of public funds. 

Questioning Fund Utilization and Passenger Facilities 

The HSS has raised concerns about the 37.81 crore rupees reportedly spent on passenger facilities at Hisar Airport. This figure was disclosed by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in the Rajya Sabha in December last year. The committee demands to know how this substantial sum was utilized, given that no passenger flights have taken off from the airport yet. 

To seek answers, the HSS plans to approach the District Deputy Commissioner on June 14, followed by confronting CM Nayab Saini during his visit on June 20. They aim to gather public support to protest the inauguration and demand accountability for the funds spent. 

Airport Infrastructure: Ready but Unused 

Despite the controversy, Hisar Airport boasts significant infrastructure development. A 10,000-foot runway has been completed, equipped with cat lights for night landings. The passenger terminal has been expanded to accommodate 150 passengers, up from its original capacity of 50. Other completed facilities include an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a fuel tank system, and a 33 KVA electricity sub-station.

The airport also has the office of the Haryana Airport Development Corporation (HADC) chairman. Additional projects like the runway, cat eye system, ATC, GSC area, PTT, link taxi, apron, fuel room, basic spit parameter road, and rainwater drains are reportedly near completion.

As CM Nayab Saini prepares to inaugurate these completed projects on June 20, the district administration has begun preparations for the event. However, the core issue remains - when will Hisar Airport see its first commercial flight take off? 

The ongoing controversy highlights the complex interplay between political ambitions, public expectations, and the practical challenges of operationalizing a new airport. As the debate continues, the people of Hisar and Haryana await the day when their airport will truly take flight, justifying the multiple inaugurations and substantial investments made in its development.