Shillong, June 4: The state government has decided to purchase 6 out of 11 acres of additional land required for expansion of the runway of Shillong Airport. The acquisition will cost over Rs 72 crore.
Informing about the cabinet decision on Wednesday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said, “We have approved the proposal for direct purchase of land for the expansion of Shillong Airport.”
He said an additional land of 11.75 acres is required for expansion of the runway out of which about 4.3 acres is defence land and about 6 plus acres of land required to be purchased from the local people.
“Therefore, a committee was set up headed by the deputy commissioner, which held negotiations with the local people to finalise the rates and different compensation that has to be paid. After detailed discussion and negotiation, a total amount of Rs 72.17 crore has been arrived at for the compensation to be paid for the land, trees, crops and buildings to be acquired in that area for the expansion of the runway,” Sangma added.
