Mohol reassures Pune residents that the gliding centre will remain public, easing fears of privatisation.
The gliding centre is quite special. It covers 230 acres and is currently owned by the DGCA. They’re in the process of transferring it to the Airports Authority of India. Some locals, including NCP leader Yogesh Sasane, raised concerns. They pointed out that this is the only affordable training facility for pilots in the country.
Sasane mentioned that a single flight costs just ₹187. The entire training course is between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000. That’s a great deal for aspiring pilots! Locals like Sagar Bhosale also voiced their worries. He said the centre is a popular spot for morning walks and a vital green space for the community.
Another resident, Lahu Kale, argued that the land was given to the government for a gliding centre. If the purpose changes, the land should go back to its original owners. This has sparked a campaign to save the gliding centre. Citizens formed a human chain and protested against the proposed privatisation.
Mohol reassured everyone again. He said there’s no plan to privatise the gliding centre. It’s just a transfer between two government bodies. The gliding centre has a rich history too. It was established by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952. Nehru even visited Pune for its inauguration.