Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has instructed the state transport department to expedite the release of 18.8 acres of land at Dimapur Airport, which is currently occupied by the Assam Rifles. This move is crucial for the Phase I expansion of the airport, as the lack of approval for this land transfer is the only obstacle preventing work from commencing. Urgent directions have been sought from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to facilitate this transfer and ensure that development work starts promptly.
In alignment with Rio’s directive, the transport department, in collaboration with the MHA and other stakeholders, is actively pursuing the release of the land held by the Assam Rifles. A significant meeting took place in New Delhi on July 1, attended by key officials including Myingthungo Ababe Ezung from the transport department and representatives from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Assam Rifles.
Recently, the state government managed to clear 17.9 acres of illegally encroached land after lengthy legal disputes, transferring it to the AAI. Additionally, the CRPF has vacated 8.4 acres, aiding the expansion efforts. The Assam Rifles has been provided with alternative land in Shokhuvi village, located in the Chümoukedima district, where a new training center and school have already been set up and are operational.
Despite these advancements, the necessary land held by the Assam Rifles has not yet been released. Earlier, Rio had communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing concerns about the inability to expand the airport due to these land constraints, which pose serious operational and safety issues. The AAI’s phased development master plan is also impeded by this pending land transfer. While the state government and the CRPF have fulfilled their obligations by vacating and transferring land to the AAI, the Assam Rifles has yet to vacate its portion.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/rio-seeks-mhas-help-to-transfer-land-occupied-by-ar-for-airport-expansion/articleshow/122211156.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-07-03 05:32:00
