IAF removes encroachments at Cholavaram airfield

The Air Force is said to be preparing to set up important operational and training establishments at the airfield.

“We have evicted illegal occupation by the private school, rice mill, RO plants, etc.,” Commander J Rajendra, Air Officer Commanding and Estate Officer, told reporters. Over the years, stock yards, godowns and restaurants have mushroomed around the airfield that on the Chennai-Kolkata highway.

Squatters have constructed houses and rented them out, while a local real estate agent created an illegal layout and sold plots to the public at Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakhs per 1,000 sq.ft. a few years ago.

“We were able to remove the encroachments from about 25 acres of land. Steps have been taken to relocate the poor families with the help of the state administration by recommending their names for rehabilitation,” added commander Rajendra. The Air Force officers, which included group captain P R Prasad and team, were accompanied by the local Revenue authorities and police.