DIMAPUR, July 3: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to expedite the release of 18.8 acres of land currently occupied by the Assam Rifles to enable the long-delayed Phase I expansion of Dimapur Airport. The move follows Rio’s personal directive to the State Transport Department to push for the crucial land transfer.
The plot in question remains the last major hurdle to begin work on the airport’s expansion, despite other key land issues being resolved. According to officials, Rio has requested the MHA to issue urgent instructions to facilitate the handover and ensure timely commencement of development works under the Airports Authority of India (AAI)’s master plan.
A high-level meeting was held in New Delhi on July 1 to discuss the matter. It was attended by Myingthungo Ababe Ezung, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Nagaland Transport Department; Moa Pongen, Director of Dimapur Airport; AAI officials; and representatives of the Assam Rifles.
In recent months, the State Government successfully cleared 17.9 acres of land from illegal encroachment and handed it over to the AAI, following a prolonged legal battle. Additionally, the CRPF vacated 8.4 acres under its occupation, demonstrating the state’s commitment to airport modernization.
The Assam Rifles, however, continues to hold onto the 18.8-acre plot, despite having been allotted alternative land at Shokhuvi village in Chumoukedima district. The new training centre and school established there are now fully operational.
CM Rio had earlier written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing concern over the delay, which he said is hampering airport safety and operational efficiency. He emphasized that the land bottleneck is preventing even the first phase of the airport’s phased development plan from taking off.
