Saturday, September 3 2005 19:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mangalore: Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash today (Sept 3, 2005) said Mangalore airport would soon be upgraded to international standards.

Addressing reporters after reviewing revenue works in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Mangalore today (Sept 3, 2005), he said the Government had already handed over about 176.33 acres of land to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) in the first phase of expansion work.

"A compensation of Rs 12.18 crore has already been paid as compensation to the affected families and about 172 families have been rehabilitated," he said.

Under the second stage, which requires 158 acres of land, over 100 families will be affected, he said, adding the State Government has already released Rs three crore for rehabilitation of the affected families.

An amount of Rs 23.19 crore is needed for rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals living in Kudremukh National Park, Prakash who is also in charge of revenue said.

However, the Government has directed the officials not to evacuate those who are unwilling to move out of the forests, he added.

When asked about Naxal activities, Prakash said the Government was sincere in its efforts to provide facilities to detract the tribals from joining Naxalites groups.