Shillong (Meghalaya), July 15: The Meghalaya High Court has directed all authorities concerned to expedite the Shillong Airport expansion project, noting that while essential preliminary groundwork has been done, a substantial amount of work is required to be done at an appreciable pace.
The court’s direction came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition concerning the development and expansion of the Shillong Airport.
The court, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, was informed that the project requires 22 acres of land, out of which 10.30 acres are proposed to be acquired from the Defence authorities through an agreement between the State and the Ministry of Defence. The State Cabinet has approved the purchase of 11.75 acres of land for ₹72,17,56,237, and sale agreements have been entered into with individual landowners.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) informed the court that tender for construction, renovation, and alteration of airport infrastructure will be granted immediately upon receipt of land from the State and Defence authorities and obtaining necessary environmental clearance. The AAI also needs to remove impediments to aircraft operation caused by mounds, trees, etc. along the flight path.
The court directed the authorities to apply the necessary thrust to make the project operational and listed the matter for further hearing on August 12 . The court also directed all authorities represented in court to file short action taken reports to review the progress of the work. The authorities include the Ministry of Defence, State government, Airports Authority of India, and other stakeholders.
