Cachar Airport Public Hearing Ends with Strong Local Support

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Nagaland TB-Free 2025
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The much-anticipated Cachar Airport public hearing has concluded with an overwhelmingly positive response from the people of Barak Valley. Held near the proposed site at Doloo Tea Estate, the hearing saw community members and local leaders unite in support of the ambitious greenfield airport project.

What the Cachar Airport Project Means for the Region

The Cachar greenfield airport, expected to cost ₹1,950 crore, aims to revolutionize air connectivity for Silchar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and surrounding areas. Spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport will feature:

  • A 3.2 km runway suitable for wide-body aircraft
  • Passenger terminal with 2 million annual capacity
  • Integrated cargo and training facilities

The project site lies roughly 15 km from Silchar city, enhancing accessibility for both business and tourism.

Positive Feedback Dominates Cachar Airport Public Hearing

The Cachar Airport public hearing, organized by the Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) and the local administration, welcomed hundreds of stakeholders. More than 95% of participants supported the project, calling it a “dream come true” for the region.

“Our youth deserve better opportunities and access to the rest of India. This airport can deliver that,” said Munmi Das, a college student from Silchar.

Many residents emphasized the potential for job creation, improved healthcare access, and tourism growth.

Environmental Concerns Addressed During the Hearing

While the support was strong, the public hearing also addressed legitimate concerns over environmental impacts. Questions were raised about:

  • Loss of green cover at Doloo Tea Estate
  • Impact on biodiversity and water sources
  • Air and noise pollution levels

Officials assured the public that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) includes:

  • A reforestation plan involving over 5 lakh trees
  • Measures to protect wetlands and buffer zones
  • Modern air traffic and noise control technologies

The Forest Department pledged transparency and local consultation at every stage of the project.

What’s Next After the Public Hearing?

With the Cachar Airport public hearing completed successfully, the next steps include:

  1. Final EIA review and approval by MoEFCC
  2. Handover of land by the Revenue Department
  3. Groundbreaking by early 2026

Construction is expected to begin later that year, with flight operations targeted by 2029. The project will align with India’s UDAN scheme, boosting regional air travel in the Northeast.

How Cachar Airport Will Transform Barak Valley

Currently, Silchar Airport operates under military control, with limited commercial slots. The new airport will:

  • Enable direct flights to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata
  • Support eco-tourism and tea tourism
  • Increase cargo flow from Barak Valley to national markets

The airport is also expected to benefit Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of Manipur, turning Barak Valley into a regional aviation hub.

For local updates and notifications, visit the Assam Government Infrastructure Portal.

The Cachar Airport public hearing marks a major milestone in the journey toward modern infrastructure in Assam’s Barak Valley. With strong public backing and proactive environmental planning, the airport stands as a beacon of progress.

READ MORE: Nagaland TB-Free 2025: State’s Bold Fight to End Tuberculosis

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