Editor,
The Shillong (Umroi) Airport in Meghalaya stands as a stark reminder of how political intrigue, bureaucratic inertia, and a lack of foresight can stifle progress and leave communities underserved. For half a century, this airport has been held hostage by a tangled web of conflicting interests, leaving Meghalaya lagging behind its north-eastern counterparts in connectivity and development.
The story begins with a seemingly well-intentioned plan: expanding the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, bringing Meghalaya closer to the national network and unlocking its tourism potential. Yet, the process has been marred by questionable decisions, opaque dealings, and a blatant disregard for public good.
The acquisition of land in 2008-09, without a prior feasibility study, raises serious questions. Was there a deliberate attempt to bypass due diligence and secure land for speculative purposes? The State government’s justification for acquiring land before conducting a feasibility study is simply untenable, especially when the cost of removing obstacles is now estimated to be staggering Rs 7,000-8,000 crore. This gross negligence has cost the public dearly, both financially and in terms of lost opportunities.
The recent pronouncements, stating that the airport is not feasible for larger aircraft, further deepen the mystery. Is this a sudden realisation, or has the State government or any concerned authority been aware of these limitations all along? The timing of this revelation, after years of land acquisition and a considerable public investment, only adds to the suspicion of a hidden agenda.
The ongoing debate regarding the potential for a new Greenfield airport further complicates the situation. Is this a genuine exploration of alternatives, or a ploy to justify further land acquisition and potentially enrich those in power?
This saga is not simply about an airport; it is about the systemic corruption and inefficiency that plague Meghalaya. The State government has failed to prioritise the needs of its people and has instead allowed vested interests to dictate policy, leaving development in limbo.
The Hon’ble Meghalaya High Court’s recent ruling on the feasibility of mid-size aircraft landing at Umroi airport is a welcome breath of fresh air for the State’s development. The court’s sound reasoning, based on the successful operation of Paro International Airport in Bhutan, dismantles the long-standing excuses used to justify the airport’s under-utilisation.
For years, the mountainous terrain surrounding Umroi has been cited as an obstacle to expansion. However, the court’s observation that Paro, situated at a significantly higher altitude and with a far more limited optical surface, successfully operates international flights, is a powerful argument for Umroi’s potential. This isn’t just a matter of technical feasibility; it’s about a mindset shift, a rejection of limiting beliefs that have held back Meghalaya’s progress.
The court’s suggestion for hopping flights from major cities is a visionary move that can unlock Meghalaya’s tourism potential. Increased connectivity will not only boost tourism revenue but also create much-needed employment opportunities for the people of Meghalaya.
Hence, we urge the State government and the Airports Authority of India to seize this opportunity and implement the court’s recommendations swiftly. The time for excuses is over. The people of Meghalaya deserve a functional, well-connected airport that facilitates growth and prosperity. It is time for the concerned authority to shed its cloak of secrecy, address the concerns raised, and prioritise the long-term interests of the state over short-term gains.
Let’s make the Shillong (Umroi) Airport the gateway to a flourishing future for Meghalaya.
Chanmiki Laloo
Shillong-02
