Farmers oppose airport at Bhogapuram

Visakhapatnam, July 7: Farmers under the aegis of All-Party Joint Action Committee staged a demonstration at Circuit Guest House here in protest against the State government’s decision to construct airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. Ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Mrunalini conducted a review meet on the airport works with officials here today. Tension prevailed for a while when the irate farmers blocked the convoy of Minister Mrunalini and raised slogans against construction of the airport. They later submitted a memorandum to Ganta Srinivasa Rao. The Minister said that 5,551 acres land in seven villages is required for the airport and assured that government will not acquire land forcibly. He claimed that farmers are voluntarily coming forward to give land.