The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is planning to take flats or buildings on lease to accommodate around 100 remaining families of AAI staffers who have to relocate from their residence at the post and telecommunication quarters. The reason for renting is that all the houses at the New Airport Colony on Sahar Road are currently occupied.
The decision is in response to a suggestion made by the Airport Authority Employees Union (AAEU), which is holding talks with the AAI management. However, AAI sources said that
the authority would have to face the problem of finding houses in the
nearby areas to avoid inconveniencing the staffers’ children who study in schools close by. “The officers can travel long distance to work, but not the children. Moreover, the AAI can’t afford houses in up market areas, as its finances are not good,” said an AAI officer. The AAI has, however, made it clear that it is not liable to families of those officers transferred out of the city.
AAI regional executive director A.K. Sharma confirmed the decision, but added that they are yet to receive an official proposal from the AAEU for the same.
The relocation process had begun after ownership of the land near the P&T quarters was transferred to infrastructure firm GVK, when the airport was privatised a few years ago. The process was initiated by the AAI around three months ago after continued representations and proposals from the miffed members of the AAEU. “We had to force the AAI to carry out the relocation,” said an AAEU source.