Shillong, Oct 30: The High Court of Meghalaya wanted the state government and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to complete inspection of Umroi Airport as part of extending the runway within the next couple of months.
After hearing a PIL, the bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice B Bhattacharjee observed that according to AAI, a cost estimate for carrying out the feasibility of extending the runway at Umroi Airport has been submitted to the state but the state is yet to respond.
“It is hoped that the AAI and the state work out the modalities and complete the necessary inspection within the next couple of months,” the court said.
The matter will appear after 10 weeks.
Cement plant nexus
Hearing another PIL the court said it consider for a wider inquiry into the possible nexus between the state and a cement manufacturing unit in East Jaintia Hills.
The court passed the order after the petitioner of PIL Shailendra Kumar Sharma, claiming to be a public spirited person and who has raised several key issues in the past relating to environment, brought alarming facts to light pertaining to the operation of a cement manufacturing unit in the East Jaintia Hills.
“The petitioner’s prayers for a wider inquiry, including as to the possible nexus between the state and the seventh respondent, will be considered on the adjourned date. List on November 7, 2023,” the bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice B Bhattacharjee said.
The petitioner said the seventh respondent company has obtained permission from the State to operate a cement plant along with a captive power plant of 10 mw, but it has gone on to manufacture more cement than what was envisaged in the state’s letter of approval of November 13, 2008.
The petitioner pointed out that mining activities in relation to limestone have been undertaken by the seventh respondent without obtaining any license or permission in such regard.
