SHILLONG, April 6: Meghalaya High Court has directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to explore the possibility of utilising Umroi Airport optimally by making it unidirectional and constitute an inspection committee of experts to visit Port Blair and Bhutan and study the features of the runway there.
The High Court, in its order, stated, “The AAI, in terms of our earlier order dated 23rd March, 2021, shall explore the possibility of utilising Umroi Airport optimally by either making it unidirectional in the same manner as the Port Blair Airport operates and/or facilitating smaller jet aircraft operator(s) to use the airport in order to optimise its passenger flow”.
“Additionally, they will also constitute an inspection team comprising experts along with the learned amicus curiae as well as the Assistant Solicitor General to go to Port Blair and examine the unique features of the runway there and thereafter examine the unique features of the existing runway at Paro, Bhutan,” the order added.
The High Court further stated, “This may take some time for which we adjourn the matter for a period of six weeks from date. A note prepared by the Assistant Solicitor General with regard to possibility of utilising the Umroi airport optimally by making it unidirectional as Port Blair airport, which has been handed over, may be kept on record”.
The Court also observed, “We notice that a status report on behalf of the State of Meghalaya has been filed in the form of an affidavit. In our last order dated 23rd March,2021, however, we have not issued any specific direction upon the state to file such affidavit. Nevertheless, we keep the same on record”. “The parties to the instant matter are advised not to file affidavits unnecessarily unless otherwise directed by this Court,” it directed.