Defence ministry refuses to give land for Shillong airport

The defence ministry has rejected a request to part with a few acres of land for upgradation of the airport near Shillong, but Meghalaya government today said it would not affect its expansion plans.
       
The Airport Authority of India had proposed to set up the cargo facility in the 35 acre of defence land located in front of the Umroi Airport, but the defence ministry has refused to part with the land, official sources said.
        
“I have received a letter from the union minister for defence AK Antony citing his department’s inability to part with the land,” Vincent Pala, MP from Shillong, said.         

However, state transport minister A T Mondal told today PTI that it would not affect the expansion plans.
        
“The proposed expansion of the runway does not fall on defence land. Other facilities can be adjusted on the land acquired from locals as they are willing to give their plots,” Mondal said.
        
Officials said the central government had provided over Rs20 crore during 2007-08 and Rs30 crore in 2009-10 for acquisition of land for the airport.
      
Umroi at present has an airport in 216 acres of land having 6000 ft runway for landing and take-off of ATR aircraft only but with expansion plans on the anvil the Airport Authority of India has sought for another 200 acres of land to facilitate daily Boeing service.
         
The runway will be extended to about 8,000 feet, while plans are afoot to facilitate refuelling stations at the airport. The airport ramp will have provisions for parking of two airbuses.