By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 10: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira on Tuesday stated that expanding Baljek Airport to accommodate Airbus aircraft may not be possible due to limited land availability.
Speaking to reporters, Shira noted that land compensation is still pending, though the central government has promised Rs 50 crore for the expansion of Shillong Airport. Clarifying that there is no proposal for a new airport in Tura, the minister said the existing Baljek Airport would instead be upgraded to accommodate 60-70 seater flights.
Additionally, the government plans to develop helipads at every district headquarters across the state.
Regarding hospitality infrastructure, the Minister announced that the government is formally handing over land at the former Polo Orchid site in Tura to an international hotel group. The Rs 40 crore, 5-star hotel project will be a public-private partnership covering approximately two acres.
Other projects in the pipeline include a Rs 23 crore tourist lodge in Siju, a Rs 23 crore convention centre in Resubelpara, and a Rs 23 crore development plan for Mondalgre.
Shira also stressed the importance of community involvement in tourism, citing local efforts in the Nokrek Biosphere to maintain cleanliness. He noted that residents are increasingly taking interest in site management, supported by government measures to provide toilets and prevent open defecation and littering.
