Tuting (Arunachal Pradesh): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the newly constructed Sixth Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) of the state here on Wednesday.
The ALG Tuting is under the control of Air Force Station, Jorhat and it is the 6th ALG to be operationalised in Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2009, the GoI under former PM Manmohan Singh and government of Arunachal Pradesh during late former chief minister Dorjee Khandu had come into an agreement to upgrade all landing grounds in the state, informed the Chief Minister.
Addressing a gathering here in the Air Traffic Control building, the CM said the decision was also taken then for the dual use of the ALGs to be used for defence and civilian purposes.
He informed that Pasighat ALG will be the first to have civilian terminal with commencing of Air India flights to the city soon, which was the outcome of his recent talks with the civilian aviation ministry held recently.
Since Arunachal is the biggest state in North East in terms of geographical area, its biggest challenge is the connectivity, said Khandu.
With ALGs being operationalised in Mechuka, Tuting, Aalo, Pasighat, Ziro and Vijoynagar, the Chief Minister said it will boost regional connectivity in the state and provide further impetus to tourism industry and contribute to the local economy. However, the seventh ALG in Tawang is yet to reach completion, he said.
Khandu thanked the GoI, the Indian Air Force, and the Nagarjuna construction company for completing the works of ALG in Tuting within one and half year.
The CM accompanied by education minister Honchun Ngandam, deputy speaker Alo Libang, state BJP president Tapir Gao and Air Marshal Hari Kumar, AOC-in-C, HQ Eastern Air Command.
The Chief Minister presented mementos to all distinguished guests and to the top defence officials present on the occasion. Also a token of appreciation was presented to the cultural troupes, school children and gaon burahs.
Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Hari Kumar appreciated the cooperation of local people and the state government in early completion of the ALG.
Khandu during his visit also inspected the new ATC control room, office complex and officer’s mess. (UNI)
