Meghalaya High Court takes stock of progress in construction of Umroi Airport

Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday said that it hopes and trusts that all concerned in the construction of the Umroi Airport, including the contractors, will exhibit real sense of belonging in the public interest and do whatever is possible for achieving the object without any excuse.

“In case of any such attempt, defaulting party will be seriously dealt with,” the Division Bench of the High Court stated.

The High Court said that during the hearing on Wednesday that the state authorities exhibited commitment by taking various steps which will “substantially help in making Umroi Airport operational.”

The status report filed by the state government before the High Court reveals that for the purpose of land required for approach funnel of cluster-II and III Rs18,17,93,458 has been sanctioned. While the Commissioner of Transport, Meghalaya, Shillong has been entrusted to disburse the money among the land owners, it is also made clear to him that vide notification (No.RDS45/2018/5 dated 07.08.2018) exemption from the purview of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971 has been granted for purchase of land on behalf of the State Government.

The report also states that the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi district is shown to have held meeting with all the land owners, headmen of the concerned villages and the concerned MLA of Umroi Assembly constituency on September 7, 2018. All the land owners have signed an undertaking to hand over the land on receipt of full payment. Compensation amount was scheduled to be paid through account payee cheques on September 12, 2018.

The MTC has also constituted a team of three officers for execution of sale deeds and arrangement of payment to the land owners. The report also reveals that an amount of Rs. 22,91,10,000 have also been sanctioned and placed at the disposal of the Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads), Shillong to complete the works in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi district and the Airport Authority of India.

Meanwhile, the Advocate General pointed out that huge earthwork may require some more time although they will work 24x7 and large number of tipper (trucks) have been engaged.

“At this stage, we are not inclined to extend the time but however, same can be considered if need arises after analyzing the progress report as shall be filed by the Chief Engineer after every 10 days indicating therein the volume of work executed on daily basis,” the Division Bench of the High Court said.

Assistant Solicitor General, A Paul present on behalf of the Airport Authority of India submitted that requisite data had been collected. The final report has been prepared and it may take 10 days time for submission of the report. The High Court also directed the Airport Authority of India to submit the requisite report on or before September 25.