In a significant development for connectivity in southern Assam, the public hearing for the proposed Dolu Greenfield Airport in Cachar district concluded peacefully on Monday, June 23. The event marked a critical milestone in the airport’s environmental clearance process.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to share the update. Further, he praised the residents for their cooperation. And said the project now moves forward with the backing of local stakeholders.
Massive boost for Barak Valley infrastructure
The Dolu Airport project has been pitched as a game-changer for the Barak Valley, which currently relies on the Silchar Airport — a facility with limited capacity. Once complete, the Dolu Airport is expected to handle larger passenger volumes and cargo traffic, supporting economic growth in the region.
The proposed site lies near Dolu Tea Estate, around 15 km from Silchar. The airport is being developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is listed under the UDAN scheme for regional air connectivity.
Environmental hearing completes smoothly
The public hearing, conducted by the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) and the Cachar district administration, saw the participation of villagers, civil society representatives, and environmental officials. Discussions focused on the airport’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) and mitigation plans.
No major protests or disruptions were reported during the session. Authorities ensured security and transparent engagement throughout the proceedings.
Long-delayed project sees fresh momentum
The Dolu airport project was initially proposed in 2022, but progress stalled due to land acquisition challenges, and environmental concerns. A portion of the land belonged to tea estate workers, triggering resistance from local groups.
However, state officials said compensation and rehabilitation packages have been enhanced. Many families previously opposed to the project are now on board.
“We are pleased to see the democratic process move ahead. Moreover, the airport will open new economic opportunities for Barak Valley youth,” said a local panchayat leader present at the hearing.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes development
Chief Minister Sarma congratulated the district administration for conducting the hearing peacefully and called the event a “turning point” for Barak Valley infrastructure.
“This is not just an airport. It is a gateway to tourism, trade, and regional prosperity. We are committed to completing this project on time,” Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the state will soon forward the hearing report to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for final clearance.
Key features of Dolu Airport
According to the draft master plan, Dolu Airport will feature a 2,500-metre runway, modern terminal building, night-landing facilities. And a cargo handling zone. The estimated cost is around ₹500 crore.
The airport is expected to serve both domestic and limited international flights under future expansion phases. Also, local artisans and vendors may also benefit through airport-linked marketplaces.
Way forward
With the successful public hearing, the next steps include submitting the EIA report to MoEFCC. And securing final environmental clearance. Following that, the land acquisition will be formalised, and construction tenders will be floated.
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Call to Action:
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