Surat BJP is launching a campaign from July 29 seeking more flights for the city; diamond industry also to observe day’s bandh.
The issue of lack of proper air connectivity for Surat seems to be hotting up. Even as the Surat Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching a campaign from July 29 over the issue, the diamond industry will observe a day’s bandh in support of the campaign.
The Surat diamond industry, probably the worst-hit due to lack of proper air connectivity for Surat, has decided to observe a bandh on Friday to press for better air connectivity.
The diamond industry of Surat faces several difficulties, and is missing out on huge business opportunities, on account of lack of proper air connectivity.
Surat has a single flight operating to and from New Delhi on a daily basis. There are demands for flights to Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Bengaluru and other important cities from the diamond hub.
“We have had enough and are in the mood to fight for better air connectivity for Surat this time,” Dinesh Navadia, president of Surat Diamond Association, said.
A statement from Surat Diamond Association said that all diamond cutting & polishing units, trading offices and safe deposit vaults in the city will remain closed on the day.
The Surat BJP is also launching a campaign over the same issue.
“Surat is the only city in the world with a population of 45 - 50 lakh, but without proper air connectivity. It is high time the situation is rectified and proper air connectivity is provided to the city,” said Surat BJP president Purnesh Modi.
The BJP has planned a public meeting at Surat airport on July 29. The party’s local leaders and trade & industry representatives will travel to New Delhi the next day and make a representation to civil aviation minister Vayalar Ravi seeking launch of more flights to and from Surat. “We will give 15 days time to the Centre to provide more flights to Surat. We will launch an aggressive campaign if the demand is not met by August 15,” Modi further said.
Besides connectivity to major cities in the country, flights to smaller cities within the state are also on the agenda.
BJP MLA and former president of Surat Diamond Association Nanu Vanani, said that the Diamond City was missing out on huge business opportunity due to lack of air connectivity.
“Domestic demand for diamonds has gone up due to increasing popularity of studded jewellery. The diamonds are polished in Surat, but they are traded in Mumbai because buyers from other cities do not travel to Surat in absence of flights. The international buyers also do not travel to Surat because of this very reason,” Vanani said.
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