GHAZIABAD: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop infrastructure facilities to start civilian flights from Hindon air base under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS). If things go as per the plan, then domestic flights could begin their operations from the air base by Diwali “The MoU has paved the way for early operations of domestic flights from the air base, expectedly around Diwali,” said Ritu Maheshwari, district magistrate. “ The agreement has been signed for a period of three years. However, there are sub clauses under which it could be extended up to five years,” she said.As per the MoU, it has been agreed that AAI will take up the work for developing the airport terminal, while the state government will construct approach roads leading to the terminal. In addition, the state government will have to bear the cost of lighting up the stretch and security outside the terminal. The security inside the terminal will be looked after by AAI, the DM said. “As far as developing the area outside the terminal, the state cabinet will shortly discuss the issue,” said Maheshwari.As for lease rate, the agreement says that it has been fixed at Rs 200 sqm per year and for that AAI will release Rs 44 lakh in advance for first year. “As per the lease rate decided, the AAI is expected to deposit Rs 44 lakh for the first year in a couple of days with the administration which would be disbursed to farmers,” said Maheshwari.The AAI had in April floated tender for developing the terminal. Now the district administration will take up the task of signing lease agreement with 17 farmers individually. “There are 17 farmers from Sikandarpur village from whom we have to take 22,050 sqm of land. Almost all farmers are on board as far as the lease rate that has been decided which is Rs 200 sqm per year. We will soon initiate the signing of lease agreements with farmers,” said Maheshwari. Apart from farmers, there is also a patch of land belonging to housing board which would be required for the purpose and a separate lease agreement will be signed with the housing board, she added.

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