Advanced airfield in Tawang may not be feasible

An advanced airfield for military and commercial use in strategically important Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh may not be feasible due to topographic constraints and weather, a preliminary evaluation of a proposal by the government has shown.

Government had identified a place called Sogyatse in Tawang district to develop an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the region which is only connected with the rest of the country through a treacherous road network.

A preliminary analysis of the project shows that the area proposed for the ALG may not be conducive because of the high altitude and topographic conditions, official sources said.

"...I am yet to get a complete technical report on the project. However other than Tawang, work on other landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh Mechuka, Ziro Passighat, Tuting, Vijaynagar, Walong and Aalo is on in full swing. I think the maximum number of advanced landing grounds in the country are being built in Arunachal," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told PTI when asked about the report.

Tawang which borders Tibet is strategically important for India as China's People's Liberation Army had reached Tezpur in 1962 through this route.

Poor connectivity is a major problem as it takes nearly 16 hours to reach Guwahati after 600 kilometres of arduous route. Journey from Tawang, which is 448 kms away from state capital Itanagar, takes 10 hours and it takes the same time to reach Tezpur in Assam which is the closest railway station. "If ALG in Tawang could materialise for military and civil purposes, we can give a boost to the economy here by promoting tourism in the area. This area has immense potential in tourism but people don't come here because of the long and tiring journey they have to undertake," Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pema Khandu said.

Considering the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh which shares a 1,100-km border with China, Centre has sanctioned Rs 720 crore package to develop ALGs in the region.

When asked about strengthening border, Rijiju said, "We are increasing our outposts on all borders because it really helps to secure border areas and heighten vigilance. However, this should not be seen in a manner that we are challenging the other country. Not in that way. But to strengthen our own position. So, to safeguard our borders, we are increasing the (number of) border posts."

Rijiju was on a two-day visit to meet ITBP personnel guarding border outposts in the Tawang district but his helicopter could not fly to higher reaches due to bad weather.

On incursions, Rijiju said it is an issue on both sides because of misconception about the whole border matter. When asked about ongoing border talks with China, he said, "It is a very sensitive matter and authorised representative is Ajit Doval, the NSA. Passing comments from our side will not be proper.

"Prime minister is going to China in May. So since we all want relations with China to grow and early settlement of border issues and I being MP from Arunachal and Minister, if I say something now it may vitiate border talks. I can say that we are hoping for early solution."