Silchar, June 23: The eagerly awaited public hearing regarding the proposed Greenfield Airport at Dolu in Cachar district took place on Monday, garnering a largely positive response from local residents, who also voiced requests for fair compensation and rehabilitation.

After the hearing, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the event as a "significant milestone" in Assam's initiative to develop Barak Valley into a connectivity and development hub.

He shared on social media, "The public hearing for the Greenfield Dolu Airport project in Cachar district concluded peacefully today — a significant milestone in our journey to transform Barak Valley into a hub of connectivity and development. We are now one step closer to realizing our grand vision for the region. Gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation and support."

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav informed the media that the hearing received strong backing, with 145 out of 151 memorandums — nearly 95% — supporting the project. The remaining submissions expressed concerns about land acquisition, requesting better compensation and rehabilitation for affected families.

Yadav stated, "The meeting was held peacefully, and we received an overwhelming response towards the construction of the airport at Dolu," adding that detailed minutes of the proceedings would be released to the press shortly.

The hearing was conducted under strict security measures and was attended by key officials, including the Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, the Cachar Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police.

The proposed airport had previously obtained site clearance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). However, final approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation is still awaited, pending the submission of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Once operational, the Dolu Greenfield Airport is anticipated to greatly enhance air connectivity in the Barak Valley and act as a catalyst for regional growth.

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