Village in dilemma over airport extension

Dimapur| July 17 : The need to expand and modernize the state’s only airport in Dimapur has long been felt. The move has, however, come with problems of land acquisition for the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It is reported that the present length of the runway meets the requirements of the Airbus 320 and other airplanes that operate here. But the bid is to acquire land for future development of the airport as well.
The AAI is currently in need of 200 meters stretch of land and the government of Nagaland is currently negotiating with Aoyimti village to provide the required swath. But the bargain is not coming easy for the government who is negotiating on behalf of the AAI.
Aoyimti village was established in the year 1947 and most of the homes that stand to be affected belong to the first settlers of the village. It is reported that of the 180 affected houses only a few have conceded to the proposal. Meren, the council chairman of Aoyimti village said “for some people, compensation is not even an issue; they simply don’t want to part with their land.” A survey has already been carried out by the district administration on the proposed area. The village council is now vigorously working out ways  for a solution.
According to the land surveyed, Aoyimti is set to lose land starting from the village public ground up to Hollohon colony. Although the village is not opposed to development, there are several practical difficulties which have to be considered before the land is given away, the council chairman said.
One major problem confronting the village is that, most important landmarks of the area will go down if land is acquired by the AAI.  Among them is the public ground, children’s park, angawadi centre, post office, the welfare department office, cemetery, sub-health centre and Christina Memorial School. The school has a total of 402 students. The village currently holds no extra land where these structures can be relocated.  
Sources have said that the AAI would give monetary compensation for the land although the amount has not been discussed. A district administration official said that the villagers have to first agree with the required amount of land, which again, is another point of disagreement.
The village council in its last meeting held with the district administration on June 5 said it was willing it give only 150 meters of land. However, AAI rejected it saying it must have nothing less than 200 meters. Sources said there is also a talk of providing services to affected villagers in the airport if vacancies arise. Contract works may also be provided, sources added.
While there is steady progress on the matter among villagers, the council is yet to have a general body meeting to take a final decision, the chairman said. The council is also waiting for the next intimation from the district administration and expressed hope the matter will be resolved soon. The village council has not had a single meeting with the district administration after June 5.

Morung Express News