The green field airport project at Hollongi which is in offing for the last many years finally seems to be on the verge of becoming a reality. But such has been experience with this project that until the actual work starts at airport site, the people of state will remain apprehensive. The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha during his recent visit to the state to attend ATAL conclave declared that bhumi puja (Hindu ritual) will be performed in December before starting the construction of airport. Minister also informed that the Centre will spend about Rs 1200 crore for the project at Hollongi.
Additionally Chief Minister Pema Khandu also informed that the DoNER ministry will spend about Rs 350 crore for starting the work. Naturally after these announcements, the expectations of people of state are quite high. Now it is upto BJP governments at centre and state to ensure that promise become reality and work starts in December. One of the main reasons for delay in the start of airport work is land compensation issue. Until this issue is resolved the project will not see light of day. First and foremost, the state government should resolve land compensation issue. They should take project affected people into confidence by initiating dialogue process with them. Let them feel part of this most important infrastructure project of the state. The land owners are the biggest stakeholder and their role will be critical in realizing the dream of Hollongi airport project.