Shillong, Nov 14: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, attended the Seaplane Demonstration held at on the Water Sports Complex, Orchid Resort, Umiam Lake.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this would be a step towards further promoting tourism in Meghalaya and added that the move would take Meghalaya to the path of growth and development. Union Civil Aviation minister Kinjarapu Ramohan Naidu and other officials of the Ministry were also present on the occasion
The event was organised by the Transport Department, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
In his opening remarks, Conrad Sangma, said, “In the late 90s to the mid of 2000, as a budding entrepreneur, I travelled to various parts of North Eastern region of India which is about a 20 hour journey by bus to state capitals particularly to Kohima, Imphal and other places to build up my business. I realised the gap of connectivity and challenges which I had faced then and when we came to the government in 2018, aviation became a key component for upgradation and change.”
He further said, “With the introduction of the UDAN scheme in 2008 it became a major game changer in terms of connectivity for India and particularly for the state of Meghalaya and the North Eastern Region in general. The honourable Prime Minister made it a point to connect the regional headquarters to other smaller states and we have seen this unprecedented change in the last eight years. Now we can travel in an hour’s time to the other northern state capitals by air and has seen a significant change and growth in trade and connectivity.”
He further said that he was informed that it takes 200 metres of waterbody and 5 metres of depth for seaplanes to land and take off. “With the terrain and landscape of Meghalaya this will be conducive as water bodies can be created as we recieve adequate rainfall,” he added and said it would be cost-effective as it would take an amount of 15 lakhs approximately to build a dam for landing rather than building an runway for an airport.
He also informed that a reservoir in Tura to curb water scarcity is being built and this in the next few years would be in line for seaplanes to land as well.
Speaking about the challenges faced, the Chief Minister said “We have faced significant challenges for the Umroi airport and are pushing for the expansion of the runway for mid sized aircraft like the Airbus A320 to take off and land. We have been able to sustain connectivity to Delhi but want to expand that network. We are also keen to operationalise the Baljek Airport in Tura and I am sure with the support of the Aviation Ministry this would become a reality.”
Speaking about the impact of the seaplane demonstration, the Chief Minister said that the seaplane would be meaningless if it is not connected to a whole ecosystem which needs to be developed particularly Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Connectivity etc.
“I am aware that according to Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends Report that Shillong is the top destination for Indian travelers in 2025 beating places like Baku and Azerbaijan. Meghalaya is preparing itself to be at the crest of this wave of change as we are awaiting the setting up of a 7 star hotel at this very place. This move would also be a symbiotic relationship for the seaplane demo today as it could open opportunities for tourism avenues to be explored. The stake holders play a key role In this regard as tourists are keen to visit multiple places in the northeast and this initiative plays a key role for this sector to grow.”
Minister, Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ramohan Naidu said, “India has about 1300 islands, ample landable waterbodies like rivers and lakes and a massive coastline which is a major reason for use of seaplanes and upscaling in this area for growth or many socio economic activities. I assure support for growth of Umiam Airport and other aviation requirements to the Government of Meghalaya in this regard. We have adapted the aviation guidelines for more flexibility for aviation to flourish in the country.”
The amphibious aircraft that was demonstrated is made by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and managed by Spicejet.
The event was also attended by Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Damanbait Lamare, MLA, Umroi, Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang, Sanjay Goyal, Director, Department of Transport, representatives of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and other officials of the State and Central Government.