en.Wedoany.com Reported - The state government has issued a No Objection Certificate, agreeing to transfer 25 acres of government-owned land adjacent to the Hashimara Air Force Base for the expansion of Hashimara Civil Airport, which will be enlarged from 25 acres to 37 acres, aiming to develop a fully functional domestic airport. To avoid the constraints faced by Cooch Behar Airport, the state government will also acquire an additional 12 acres of land from the neighboring Satalli and Madhu tea estates.
The entire 37-acre plot will be handed over to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry for development. The Alipurduar District Land and Land Reforms department has begun surveying the site as per state government directives, with officials required to prioritize this work and submit a detailed report.
According to state government sources, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry recommended increasing the land area to ensure the necessary infrastructure and runway length for domestic operations. Minister of State for Home Affairs Bishal Lama stated that the recommendation has been accepted, which may cause a slight delay in the project, but development will proceed as planned. Alipurduar District BJP MP Manoj Tigga said that civil aviation officials will soon inspect the site, and construction will commence immediately once the land transfer is completed.
Ratul Biswas, Secretary of the volunteer organization and a key leader of the Hashimara movement, welcomed the decision, viewing it as a reflection of the government's commitment. The expansion aims to provide space for infrastructure, including runway extension and auxiliary facilities. The additional land acquired from the tea estates should resolve constraints affecting airports in nearby areas.
The project requires formal land transfer procedures and inspections by central authorities. Local officials continue to prioritize surveys and reports to expedite the handover to the federal department. Stakeholders expect that once formalities are completed, the project will move into detailed planning and construction phases.
