Cuttack (Odisha): In a remarkable show of solidarity, intellectuals and civic leaders from across Cuttack have come together, voicing collective concern over what they termed as persistent government apathy towards the city’s development. The congregation, organised recently under the banners of Resurgent Katak and Subash Sangathan, saw participation from professors, doctors, engineers, advocates, social activists, and heads of the city’s Puja Committees, cutting across political and social lines.Presided over by noted educationist and social activist Dr Pravat Kumar Mishra, the meeting saw speaker after speaker express deep anguish over the city’s perceived neglect since the capital’s shift to Bhubaneswar. Participants cited multiple instances, including the systematic relocation of government offices from Cuttack, exclusion from the Smart City programme, and the preferential expansion of Bhubaneswar at Cuttack’s expense, despite both cities being part of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Urban Complex.One of the most pressing concerns raised was the delay in converting the Airborne Reconnaissance Centre (ARC) at Charbatia into an international hub airport. Speakers argued that with over 2,400 acres of existing infrastructure, proximity to the capital, and excellent connectivity to industrial and business hubs, Charbatia presents a strategically and economically viable option for a brownfield international airport on the eastern coast.Domain experts, the meeting noted, have consistently vouched for Charbatia’s potential, highlighting its advantages for multi-modal connectivity, cargo operations, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Despite repeated representations to both state and central authorities, and assurances made on the floor of the Lok Sabha, the proposal has remained stalled.Veteran citizens lamented that while other ARC bases like Palam and Sarsawa have been converted for civil aviation use, Odisha continues to overlook Charbatia’s prospects, even as alternative sites in Khurda, Malipada, and Puri face environmental and security challenges.The gathering also linked the lack of an airport to Cuttack’s inability to attract IT parks, central universities, large-scale industrial projects, and even hosting international cricket matches at its famed Barabati Stadium.In a unanimous resolution, the meeting announced the formation of the Greater Cuttack Movement Action Committee, with Dr Pravat Kumar Mishra as chairman, and city intellectuals as members. The committee will soon meet the Chief Minister, submitting a detailed memorandum and pressing for immediate action on the Charbatia airport proposal and other developmental issues.Convenor Manoj Kumar Pati and co-convenor Suresh Mohanty declared that the movement would intensify if demands remained unaddressed. The event was moderated by Manoj Kumar Pati, with Gyana Das and Suresh Mohanty conducting proceedings.Prominent personalities who attended the programme included Dr Satyakam Mishra, Dr Anil Dhir, Dr Pravas Acharya, Dr Rajani Ballav Dash, Deepak Samantray, Dr Ananga Dwibedy, and Dr Ajay Mishra.
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