An aircraft is set for departure at Dimapur Airport, where ground crew members operate near the terminal and runway. The expansion of this key air link for Nagaland continues to face delays due to land-related complications. The Nagaland Government is urgently seeking the release of 18.8 acres currently occupied by the Assam Rifles to support the long-awaited Phase I expansion of Dimapur Airport. Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has personally engaged in efforts to speed up the airport’s development. The Transport Department, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other stakeholders, is persistently addressing this issue.
According to a statement from the State Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Dimapur Airport is vital for connecting not only Nagaland but also nearby regions of Assam and Manipur within a 100 km radius. Despite its strategic importance and increasing passenger traffic, expansion initiatives are significantly stalled due to long-standing land issues. The DIPR outlined milestones achieved under the leadership of the Chief Minister and with the close coordination of Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam.
The report noted that 17.9 acres of land were cleared of illegal encroachments after a lengthy legal dispute and have since been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Additionally, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has vacated 8.4 acres to facilitate Phase I expansion efforts. The Assam Rifles have been allotted alternative land at Shokhuvi village in the Chümoukedima district, where a new Training Centre and School are now operational. Yet, 18.8 acres out of 147 acres occupied by the Assam Rifles remain untransferred, further delaying crucial airport infrastructure upgrades.
On July 1, a high-level meeting was convened in New Delhi, led by Abhijit Sinah, IAS, Additional Secretary (Police II) of the MHA. Key attendees included Myingthungo Ababe Ezung from the Transport Department, Moa Pongen, Director of Dimapur Airport, and a representative from Assam Rifles. The meeting’s main agenda was to expedite the release of the 18.8 acres still held by the Assam Rifles, which is a direct result of ongoing efforts by the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to resolve the land dispute.
In earlier correspondence to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Rio emphasized that the inability to expand Dimapur Airport due to land constraints is causing significant operational and safety concerns. The AAI’s Master Plan for phased development has been impeded at even the initial phase due to this pending land transfer. While both the State Government and CRPF have fulfilled their obligations, the Assam Rifles have yet to approve the land handover, despite multiple representations and the availability of their operational facility at Shokhuvi, making the retention of the current land unnecessary.
To advocate for a swift resolution, the Chief Secretary has also reached out to the Union Home Secretary, highlighting the ongoing discussions with the Assam Rifles, the latest occurring on June 18. Despite repeated assurances, the land remains occupied. The Chief Secretary remarked that the Assam Rifles has indicated a willingness to vacate the land contingent upon the MHA’s directive and structural compensation. However, as this transfer would be a ‘book transfer’ between two Central Government entities-Assam Rifles and AAI-structural compensation does not apply.
The MHA is urged to grant the necessary permissions to enable an immediate land handover to the AAI. As the Transport Department continues advocating at the highest levels of government, the statement from the DIPR underscores the critical nature of the July 1 meeting as an essential step in inter-agency dialogue. The MHA is called upon to recognize the urgency and national significance of expanding Nagaland’s only airport and to take prompt action for the land transfer.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-government-pressing-for-release-of-land-by-assam-rifles-for-dimapur-airport-expansion
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-07-02 23:08:00
