[Greenfield Airport] Meghalaya High Court directs AAI to file preliminary opinion on land identified by State Govt

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to indicate its preliminary opinion as to the suitability of the land identified by the State Government of Meghalaya for a greenfield airport project by second week of October, 2022.

The bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh said, "The AAI speaks of a preliminary feasibility study be undertaken. It is hoped that such study would be undertaken at the earliest so that the project can take off as expeditiously as possible, subject to meeting the requirements".

Stating thus, the bench adjourned the hearing till October second week. 

The court was informed by the State Government that it has identified a suitable land measuring approximately 2000 acre at Diengpasoh, off the Guwahati-Jowai highway for a greenfield airport project to come up. 

Though the State claimed it to be an ideal location, the counsel for AAI submitted that a preliminary feasibility study is required which would take three or four weeks. 

While allowing the same, court directed the State Government to facilitate a multi-disciplinary team to assist AAI for the purpose of carrying out the feasibility survey. 

On the last date of hearing, the state government had informed the court that it was in the process of ascertaining the nature of land offered as to whether the same would be suitable for setting up a greenfield airport in the State.

The reply was placed following the displeasure expressed by the high court over the lack of attentiveness shown by the State Government in establishing a full-fledged and bigger airport in the State to cut short the traveling time between Guwahati and Shillong.

The present Public Interest Litigation initially sought directions for development and possible expansion of the facilities at the Umroi Airport in Shillong. However, during the course of hearing in it, AAI informed the court that the expansion of the existing airport or the runway thereat to accommodate larger aircrafts was not possible. 

Thereafter, development of a bigger airport was suggested and the court asked the state government as well as AAI to proceed with the same. 

Case Title: Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.