Minister for Public Works H.D. Revanna on Thursday said the government would not acquire additional land for the Hassan airport project forcibly. He was speaking after laying foundation stones for development works at Boovanahalli near Hassan. The government is expected to finalise the airport project within 15 days.

“The government is prepared to construct the airport on the land already acquired. However, an additional 200 acres is required for the project. If farmers voluntarily part with the land, we will acquire it and extend the project,” he said.

The Minister laid the foundation stones for a road, underground drainage, and drinking water network, worth over Rs. 2.5 crores, in the village. MLA for Hassan Preetham Gowda, Zilla panchayat member H.P. Swaroop and others were present.