Pune : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plans to transfer the historic Hadapsar Gliding Centre to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) under a 99-year agreement, a move that has sparked widespread protests. Residents and enthusiasts fear this decision will end the dream of learning gliding not only for Hadapsar but for the entire state. A human chain was formed to oppose the transfer, organized under the leadership of Yogesh Sasane, President of the Savli Foundation.
The Hadapsar Gliding Centre, inaugurated in 1950 by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is the last operational gliding centre in the country. Of the 18 such centres originally established, 17 have shut down over the years. This centre has offered countless youths the rare opportunity to experience gliding. However, transferring it to AAI is seen as an attempt to divert it from its original purpose of promoting aviation sports and training.
Massive Citizen Participation in Protest
Over the past week, more than 6,000 citizens have signed a petition opposing the transfer. Local schools are also joining the campaign by sending postcards to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and stop the transfer. Emails have been sent to the Prime Minister, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, and senior DGCA officials, highlighting the importance of preserving this unique facility.
Shirur MP Dr. Amol Kolhe has been informed about the issue, and he has expressed his support for the citizens’ demand. Protesters argue that transferring the centre to AAI will limit access to gliding, dashing the hopes of aspiring aviation enthusiasts and eliminating a key opportunity for skill development in the region.
The local community is determined to fight for the preservation of the Hadapsar Gliding Centre, emphasizing its historic significance and its role in inspiring future generations in the field of aviation.
