After a long wait, the government of India recently cleared the proposal for construction of green field airport at Hollongi. The airport estimated to cost Rs 1043 crore has been set a target of 4 years for completion. Chief Minister Pema Khandu vigorously pursued this dream project with central government and got it approved. However the battle is half won. The compensation issue is still hanging over like sword. Therefore unless the compensation issue is resolved, the uncertainty will continue to mar the airport project. The state government should start dialogue process with the land owners of Hollongi to resolve this issue.
Further, government needs to listen to their grievances and work out an acceptable solution so that project does not face any hurdle. On their part the land owners should welcome the project and play a proactive role to ensure that work starts at the earliest. They should not create unnecessary hurdle by making unjustifiable demands. Also with the election nearing there are possibilities that politicians will use the airport project to settle political score. The land owners should be careful and do not fell prey to greedy politicians. The people of capital region have waited too long for this project. Itanagar has the dubious distinction of being the only capital in whole of India not to have an airport of its own. Within Arunachal Pradesh, the people of Siang valley are enjoying air service with the opening of Pasighat airport and Tezu airport is also going to be soon operationalize. The compensation issue should not be allowed to further derail the Hollongi airport project.