‘No money, no land’
UMROI: The proposed expansion of Umroi Airport has hit a stumbling block with the land owners refusing to part with their land for the project.
The landowners took this decision in a meeting held at Umden Mission Dorbar Hall on Wednesday.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI), through the state government, took possession of land of over 200 people residing within Umroi for the expansion of the Shillong Airport.
The AAI subsequently paid the compensation money to the state government but the latter is yet to release the same to the affected landowners. Total compensation amount stands at Rs. 11.44 crore.
“We are compelled by the state government to take this decision,” said G Pyrtuh , a member of Seng Samla Umden Pyllun.
He said the representatives of the Dorbar Shnong and the Seng Samla were earlier informed that the resurvey would be conducted by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District and compensation amount would be paid accordingly but nothing has materialized till date.
The Planning Commission last year had approved Rs 28.45 crore for upgradation of the Shillong Airport to be utilized for development of additional infrastructure facilities.
