Arunachal- Pema Khandu inaugurates 6th ALG at Tuting
Tuting-
Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed Tuting Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in presence of 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 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 govt. of India under former PM, Manmohan Singh and govt. of Arunachal Pradesh during late Dorjee Khandu, former CM had come into an agreement to upgrade all landing grounds in the state, informed the Chief Minister.
Addressing a gathering of defence personnel, administrative officials, Gaon Burahs, local public and school children 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 govt. of India, the Indian Air Force, and the Nagarjuna Construction Company for completing the works of ALG in Tuting within one and half year.
He informed that he will be visiting Tuting again with the DONER Minister in January next for inauguration of a bridge here.
The guests were welcomed with colourful cultural dance presented by Memba-Khamba cultural troupes. They presented a dance – ‘Yangle Tashi Shi’, which means ‘welcome to all guests’. Also an Adi dance troupe presented ‘Gide Sipe Ergang Si’, which is a dance to celebrate festivals.
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.
