Govt reconsiders land for Dimapur Airport expansion

After cancelling acquisition of land from Aoyimti Village for the expansion of Dimapur Airport in 2010, the Government of Nagaland is once again reconsidering buying the same land. It is learnt from reliable sources that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is under pressure to meet international norms for all airports in India. The land is being acquired to qualify aviation norms. Dimapur airport does not have landing facility for big aircrafts which is a requisite for AAI as per the international aviation norms. Sources informed that AAI must meet the criteria if it wants to retain the license for Dimapur Airport.
The government approached Aoyimti Village Council during the first week of July and a meeting was subsequently held with the Deputy Commissioner, who is negotiating on behalf of the government for AAI. It is learnt that the government once again requested the land owners to reduce the land rate. However, the land owners have said that it will not reduce the rate since it was fixed by the government @ Rs.450 per square feet last time. Aoyimti Village Council stated that the rate is “not negotiable” this time and it will be submitting a presentation to the Deputy Commissioner on Monday.
Earlier plans to acquire land from Aoyimti Village and Hollohon Colony did not materialize due to high land compensation rates. The land owners had asked Rs. 600 for per square feet but the government rejected stating the rate was too high. After multiple rounds of meetings and surveys conducted, the government finally fixed the compensation rate at Rs.450/square feet and the land owners conceded. However, the government unexpectedly cancelled the acquisition stating it was not feasible to expand the Dimapur Airport due to the presence of the National Highway and petrol pumps within the vicinity, and announced plans to build a new Airport at Razephema. This prompted outrage from the land owners of Aoyimti Village and Hollohon Colony; accusing the government of betraying them.  
If the deal comes through, AAI will acquire 200 meters stretch of land inside Aoyimti Village and Hollohon colony.  122 houses will be stamped out of Aoyimti village which was established in 1947. Important landmarks of the area like schools, the health sub- centre and angawadi centre will also go down. The village currently holds no extra land where these structures can be relocated but the villagers have nevertheless decided to part with their land for the “sake of development.” Aoyimti Village Council is hoping the government is serious this time.