Dharam govt sits on Greenfield clearance

But the Dharam Singh government while continuing to back the project, says the agreements will have to be first cleared by the state Cabinet and only then signed with BIAL. It hopes the process will be completed within a month.

‘‘Yes, we are aware that these two agreements have to be signed for the process of financial closure to be completed. And this can be done only after we get Cabinet approval. But let me assure you there are no problems, no hurdles. It may be done in the next 20 to 25 days,’’ Karnataka Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister P.G.R. Sindhia told The Indian Express.

On reports that problems have cropped up in acquiring land, Sindhia said: ‘‘If some farmer’s land is taken, he will complain. But there is no problem because of this. They (BIAL) will get the land they need and it will happen soon.’’

It must be noted that the previous Karnataka government had given its approvals to these commitments, but official sources say this government will have to clear the final contents of the two agreements as this is a mega project for the state.

This apart, the communication navigation services and the air traffic management agreement too has to be signed, which will make the Airports Authority of India solely responsible for ATC services at the airport. The Civil Aviation Ministry has already issued its policy guidelines on air traffic management at Greenfield airports, paving the way for the agreement to be drafted.

With the Defence Ministry okaying the airspace management plan, sources say this agreement will be signed once the two sides agree on the draft. Another agreement on ‘‘direct co-ordination’’ has to be signed between the Central and state governments. However, this has no bearing on the financial closure.