From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 17: The Meghalaya government will sanction Rs 50 crore to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion of the Baljek Airport at Jengjal near Tura in West Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Monday.
He informed that the government had handed over the airport to the AAI earlier this year which in turn submitted a Rs 50-crore estimate to the government.
“I am happy to announce that within this month the government will sanction Rs 50 crore to AAI so that (expansion) work can start at the Jengjal Airport,” he said, while informing that with the completion of the airport, 19-seater planes will be operated by Air Alliance from Jengjal Airport with the first priority being the Shillong-Tura route.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly-constructed Jengjal Police Station building.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said that Jengjal Police Station is one of the best police stations in the state which is located in a very strategic and ideal location making it accessible and convenient not only for the people but also for the police personnel in swift and efficient discharge of their duties.
The Chief Minister also informed that the process for filling up of more than 3,000 vacancies in the Police Department has reached the last stage of recruitment, that is, the personal interview.
Acknowledging the critical role of the Police Department in not only maintaining law and order but in ensuring long term peace and development, the Chief Minister assured of all support to the department.
DGP Idashisha Nongrang recalled her earlier posting in the area and shared memories of Jengjal’s significance in her career. She said the new building represented a major step forward for the Police Department, incorporating all required facilities such as the general room, lock-up, and officer-in-charge’s room, along with child-friendly spaces and a dedicated women’s help desk.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment to public safety, she added, “We will continue to do our very best in ensuring that we maintain the safety and security not only of our hills but of the state as a whole.”
She also expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support and commended the West Garo Hills Police for the arrangements made for the programme.
The inauguration took place in the presence of West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range) J.F.K. Marak, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Chairman James P.K. Sangma, senior government officials, police personnel and members of the local community.
