Padma Shri Jamuna Tudu meets Civil Aviation Minister, demands airport near Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 28: Renowned social activist and Padma Shri awardee, Jamuna Tudu, had a significant meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, at his residence in Delhi on Wednesday. During the meeting, Jamuna Tudu handed over a memorandum highlighting the pressing need for an airport in the Chakulia region.

The memorandum emphasized that the distance between Chakulia and Ranchi, as well as Kolkata, spans approximately 250 kilometers, with no airports in between. Although approval was initially granted for the construction of an airport in Dhalbhumgarh, it was later rejected by the Ministry of Aviation, Government of India, citing concerns related to the elephant corridor.

Jamuna Tudu expressed her concerns to the minister, emphasizing that if any government hurdles hinder the construction of an airport in Dhalbhumgarh, an alternative airport could be established in Chakulia. The region has approximately 600 acres of available land suitable for an airport. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Arjun Munda, had conducted a survey a few years ago to explore the feasibility of constructing an airport in Chakulia.

The construction of an airport in Chakulia would greatly benefit passengers from the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, providing enhanced connectivity and convenience. Recognizing the importance of the matter, the Union Aviation Minister attentively listened to Jamuna Tudu’s concerns and assured her that the issue would be reconsidered. Shambhunath Mallick, former president of Chakulia Block Bees Sutri, also graced the occasion and participated in the discussion.