Meghalaya HC directs Govt to handover land for Shillong Airport expansion within 3 months

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 18, 2024

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to complete the process of acquisition and handing over the land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the purpose of expanding the Shillong Airport, within a period of three months.

Passing an order after hearing a PIL on Monday, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said, “We are of the view that it is high time that concrete steps are taken for extension of the runway, development of infrastructure and other facilities and overall expansion of this Shillong Airport. We direct the State government to take all steps so that the requisite area of land is acquired and handed over to the Airports Authority of India , preferably within three months from date.”

“We also direct the Director General of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India to approve and implement a complete plan, resulting in the above expansion of this airport within three months of acquisition and handing over of land to the Airports Authority of India by the State government. List this PIL once again on 14th April, 2025 to consider the action taken by the respondents. It is desirable that the action taken shall be embodied in a report to be submitted by the Airports Authority of India and the State government,” it added.

The PIL has been filed in regard to the development and expansion of the Shillong Airport.

The bench said, “To be more specific, the issue involved is extension of the runway and development of infrastructure and other facilities in and around the airport.In our view, this development of the Shillong Airport is key to advancement of this State in all respects. It could facilitate the operation of larger, heavier and more sophisticated jet aircrafts, carrying both passengers and cargo. This would further the economic and tourism development of the State.”

It also informed that the Advocate General submits that measures had been taken for acquisition of land which is required for this development work but that till date, the land could not be handed over to the airport authorities.

Dr N Mozika, Deputy Solicitor General of India appearing for the Airports Authority of India submitted that the Director General of Civil Aviation is considering the proposal and plan for expansion of this airport.

P Yobin, Amicus Curiae submitted that the development and expansion of the airport should be speedily completed and that the Director General of Civil Aviation should be noticed. To this, Dr. N. Mozika submits that the Directorate of Civil Aviation is working in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and that a separate notice is not required.