Airport Director discusses civil issues with residents

SHILLONG, May 30: Airport Director, Airports Authority of India, Shillong Airport, Rishi Kant Bangwal held discussions with headmen of nearby villages such as Umden Arka, Umden Madan, Umden Nongrah,Umden Lumsaitprah and Umden Mision and its residents on the growth and development of Umroi airport and the areas adjacent to the airport.
In the meeting an extensive discussion was carried out regarding growth of the airport and its advantage to the locals and the entire area as well.
The Airport Director told the gathering that few structures are constructed near to the perimeter wall which is a violation of BCAS, NCASP para 6.2, and as per rule, a clear area of minimum 3 metres should be provided on both sides of the perimeter wall to facilitate patrolling.
They were also told that few watch tower glasses were frequently found in broken condition due to stone-pelting by the children. The Airport Director requested the village headmen to sensitise children about the matter.
One of the village headmen suggested that dustbins be installed on either side of the road around the airport, which was noted by the Airport Director.
The headmen enquired about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes, which are currently running and the old scheme of constructing an indoor house, to which Bangwal replied that all CSR schemes were stopped after the COVID-19 outbreak. Bangwal said that priority will be given to skill development programmes in the event of restoration of such schemes.
Another headman flagged water accumulating in the paddy fields and culvert after the construction of new isolation bay.
On this, the Airport Director said that an inspection was carried out and the matter and its rectification are on priority.
The representative of the police also told the village headmen that children should not try to cross the perimeter wall.
The headmen, on the other hand, requested the Airport Director to arrange awareness programmes in nearby villages on cleanliness, hygiene, alcohol and drug addiction besides job opportunities.
The requested acceded by the official, who said such programmes will be held at the earliest.