BJP MLA Arvind Bellad
Credit: DH File Photo
Deputy Leader of Opposition in Assembly and Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to relocate the aerospace project to North Karnataka.
In a letter to CM on Thursday, Bellad stated that the decision taken to drop land acquisition bid in light of strong opposition from Devanahalli taluk local farmers is understandable and reflects the government’s sensitivity to the concerns of its citizens. At the same time, it is also important to consider the long-term economic and strategic value of such a significant industrial initiative.
“Karnataka has emerged as a national leader in the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, contributing approximately 65% of the country’s total output in this domain. The state has also earned global recognition, ranking third internationally in aerospace production. A project of this scale and importance should not be shelved but rather relocated to a region that is more receptive and suitable for such development,” he said.
In this regard, the state government should consider shifting the aerospace project to Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, or any part of North Karnataka. The region offers several advantages, including a large and skilled human resource base, the availability of land, and existing infrastructure support. Most importantly, North Karnataka has long remained under-industrialised and economically underserved. Locating the aerospace project in Hubballi will ensure the continuation of this strategically significant investment and also bring industrial growth and employment to the region.