Shillong, May 16: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday directed the state government to complete the handing over of the land to Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of the Shillong Airport, within a period of two months.

After hearing a PIL, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh in its order said, “We only observe and direct that formalities to be observed are the concern of the state government. What the court mandates is that after observance of all formalities, the land should be handed over by the state to the airport authorities not later than two months from date.”

It however stated, “If there is any impediment or difficulty in compliance with this direction, the state will bring it to the notice of this court by an application well within the period of two months. If required, we shall appoint a Special Officer or Commissioner to effect the purchase of land from the individual owners by the state, to be handed over to the airport authorities.”

During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General made submissions with great conviction and responsibility to explain why till this date acquisition by the state of the required land to facilitate this project had not been made. He informed that the process of acquiring land has been initiated and said, “Cabinet approval was awaited and was likely to be made soon.”

Deputy Solicitor General informed the Court that personnel from the office of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held meetings with the Shillong Airport authorities with regard to some technical matters. In that meeting, it transpired that there were some obstructions in the flight path to the airport which were required to be removed by the state.

Accordingly, the bench directed the state government to hold consultation with the DGCA and do the needful within the said period of two months.

“In this period, the central government shall go ahead with the tender process for building or renovating the infrastructure of the airport to facilitate the above project so that immediately on completion of possession of the land, the work can commence,” it stated in the order.

Further, the bench has also directed the state and central government to submit their respective action taken reports on July 15.

“We express the hope and desire that by 15th July, 2025, this project concerning the Shillong Airport will have made a substantial forward march,” it added further.

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