The Meghalaya government has decided to find a new site for construction of an airport as the present one at Umroi is not feasible for landing of larger aircraft. The government is planning to buy land from the public for this project.
During hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) in the division bench of Meghalaya High Court today, Advocate General Amit Kumar said that as per indications by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), a greenfield airport could be commenced elsewhere if a 2000 acre land is available.
Kumar also said that the State government proposes to invite expressions of interest from the general public by May 15 for land to set up the airport.
He also told the court that some sites have been tentatively identified and it is for the AAI to take a call if there was any favourable response to the invitation for expression of interest.
The AAI has informed the High Court that it may not be possible to expand the existing airport at Umroi or the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
The State government also stated that the cost involved in levelling the nearby mountains may not yield commensurate benefit.
Meanwhile, the High Court has given two months to the State government and the AAI to report on the progress of the land acquisition process for the proposed greenfield airport. The matter will come up for hearing on July 11.
