AAI directive not suited to Manipur: FOCS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 27 2025: The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur has stated that the order issued by the Imphal West District Magistrate, requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for height clearance from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for constructing buildings within 56 Km from the Aerodrome Reference Point of the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport is not suited to the Manipur context.

FOCS, in a statement, expressed desire for the District Magistrate to review the order after taking into account the topography of Manipur as it may disproportionately affect the Meiteis.

Saying that the landscape of Manipur is different from other Indian States, the Federation added that it would be illogical to restrict building construction in areas as large as 56 Km in a small State like Manipur.

The Federation stated that the initiative being taken up by AAI to ensure safety of flights following the tragic Air India crash at Ahmedabad shortly after take off is commendable but it is not suited to Manipur.

The FOCS pointed out that Manipur's valley portion constitutes only about 10 per cent of the State's land, while the remaining 90 per cent falls in hill districts.

Despite around 60 per cent of the State's population residing in the valley districts, the Meiteis are restricted from procuring or owning land in the hill districts as per the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms Act, FOCS said.

The Federation reasoned that people in valley districts are compelled to construct buildings with multiple floors, such as G+1, G+2, or G+3 due to the growing population and the limited land available to settle in the valley districts.

FOCS urged the District Magistrate to review the order on height clearance for building construction after considering Manipur's topography.

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