SC bans Silchar Airport project, questions raised on NGT's decision

The Supreme Court made a significant decision on May 6, 2024, regarding a proposed airport in Silchar, Assam, overturning a previous ruling by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued on January 25, 2024. The court directed that no activities should take place in violation of environmental regulations dating back to September 14, 2006.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Y Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra, stated that any applications for Environmental Clearance (EC) should be evaluated based on the conditions of the site before illegal cutting of tea plants and shade trees occurred.

The case revolves around the construction of a new commercial airport in Silchar, Assam, as the existing one, meant for defense purposes, is inadequate for civil flights. The proposed airport, located in Dolu, requires additional land adjacent to it, affecting around 173 houses.

The appellants raised concerns about environmental violations, citing a lack of proper environmental clearance for the airport project. Despite the NGT's earlier dismissal of the case, the Supreme Court emphasized the necessity of environmental clearance for such projects and criticized the NGT's handling of the matter.

The court highlighted instances where tea bushes and shade trees were illegally removed from the Dolu Tea Estate, where the airport is to be built. It noted that the NGT failed to adequately investigate the appellants' claims and address environmental concerns.