Defence ministry refuses to give land for Shillong airport

Shillong: 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.
15/02/11 PTI/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Feb 2011