SHILLONG AIRPORT EXPANSION WORK
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 13: The High Court of Meghalaya has expressed concern over the lack of urgency and commitment from the Meghalaya government in achieving the goal of expanding the Shillong Airport. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh has been directing orders to expedite land acquisition and infrastructure construction for a longer runway and larger aircraft operations.
However, the court found that both the central and state governments are aware of the importance of the airport’s expansion but have not shown the required urgency and commitment.
The court also noted that a fund of Rs 72,17,56,237 has been released by the state to the District Rural Development Agency to purchase 11.75 acres of land from landowners, but there is no agreement for sale or transfer in their favour.
The court also noted that only demarcation of land between the two parties and the state is happening, with no action taken to demarcate and allocate this land for airport use.
Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika submitted that the Airports Authority of India would only be able to conclude the contract for construction of infrastructure with a contractor after obtaining clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), environmental clearance, and land acquisition. Environmental clearance is expected to be obtained by October 31, but clearance from the DGCA is pending.
“In those circumstances, we can only direct that the steps which have been taken in an absolutely usual government pace be accelerated. It is high time that this project which has been contemplated for the welfare of this State is completed as soon as possible,” the court ordered.
The court also ordered the central and state governments to file action taken reports before the adjourned date. The matter will be heard again on December 8, 2025.
