Will Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Secure Land for Dimapur Airport Expansion?
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Synopsis
In a critical move for Nagaland's connectivity, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has petitioned Amit Shah for the release of land occupied by the Assam Rifles, necessary for the Dimapur Airport expansion. This initiative aims to alleviate operational challenges and enhance safety at the state’s only airport.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is advocating for the release of land for airport expansion.
- The expansion of Dimapur Airport is vital for regional connectivity.
- Assam Rifles has been relocated but has not yet vacated the required land.
- Urgent government intervention is sought to resolve land transfer issues.
- Delays in the expansion are impacting airport operations and safety.
Kohima, July 2 (NationPress) Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has formally appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for intervention in vacating 18.8 acres of land currently occupied by the Assam Rifles, which is essential for the expansion of Dimapur Airport.
A government representative from Nagaland indicated that the Assam Rifles has already been allocated alternative land in Shokhuvi village within the Chumoukedima district, where a new training facility and school are now operational.
Despite these advancements, the 18.8 acres out of a total of 147 acres occupied by the Assam Rifles remains untransferred, hindering vital airport infrastructure and expansion efforts for Dimapur Airport.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has already vacated 8.4 acres of land, facilitating the Phase-I expansion of Dimapur Airport.
The Chief Minister has urged the Union Home Minister for immediate directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to expedite the transfer and ensure timely progress on development projects.
In his communication to Shah, the Chief Minister emphasized that the inability to expand Dimapur Airport due to land restrictions poses significant operational and safety challenges. The Airport Authority of India (AAI)’s phased development master plan has faced delays even at Phase I due to the ongoing land transfer issues.
“The state government and CRPF have fulfilled their obligations by vacating and transferring the required land. The Assam Rifles currently operates a fully functional facility at Shokhuvi, making the retention of the current land unnecessary. Numerous requests have been submitted, yet approval for the land handover remains outstanding,” the Chief Minister’s correspondence stated.
An official noted that a high-level meeting took place on July 1 in New Delhi, led by Abhijit Sinha, Additional Secretary (Police II) at the MHA. This meeting was a direct result of the persistent efforts of the Chief Minister and Nagaland Chief Secretary J. Alam to address the situation.
The Chief Secretary has also contacted the Union Home Secretary to reiterate the state's position, highlighting that several meetings have been conducted with the Assam Rifles to resolve the issue. However, the land remains unvacated despite consistent promises and reminders.
Alam further indicated that the Assam Rifles has expressed a willingness to vacate the land contingent on MHA’s directive and structural compensation. However, since this is a land transfer between two Central government agencies (Assam Rifles and AAI), structural compensation is not applicable, allowing for the transfer to occur on an “as-is-where-is” basis.
Dimapur Airport, the sole airport in Nagaland, is vital for linking the region with the rest of India. It serves not only the people of Nagaland but also nearby regions in Assam and Manipur within a 100 km radius. Despite its strategic significance and increasing passenger traffic, expansion initiatives have faced severe limitations due to longstanding land issues.
Point of View
The ongoing land transfer issue highlights the complexities of governmental coordination and the urgent need for infrastructure development. The Dimapur Airport expansion is crucial not only for Nagaland but also for enhancing regional connectivity. It is essential that all parties collaborate effectively to resolve these land disputes and prioritize public safety and operational efficiency.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Dimapur Airport expansion?
The expansion is currently hindered due to the Assam Rifles occupying 18.8 acres of land, which has not yet been vacated despite requests from the Nagaland government.
Why is the land occupied by the Assam Rifles important?
This land is vital for the expansion of Dimapur Airport, which is crucial for connecting Nagaland with the rest of India.
What actions have been taken by the government regarding this issue?
The Chief Minister has formally requested intervention from the Union Home Minister, and a high-level meeting was held to discuss the matter.
Has the Assam Rifles agreed to vacate the land?
Yes, the Assam Rifles has expressed willingness to vacate the land, pending directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What is the significance of Dimapur Airport?
Dimapur Airport is the only airport in Nagaland, serving both state residents and nearby areas in Assam and Manipur, making its expansion critical for regional connectivity.
