Varthaman, who personally drove around to see the progress of the ALG yesterday was apprised about the present status of the proposed airbase which will be used for passenger and defence purposes by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force, official sources said today.
An encroachment problem within the periphery of the ALG,security arrangements and final DPR also figured in the discussions, the sources said.
The defence ministry had taken over seven ALGs at Daporijo, Menchuka, Pasighat, Tezu, Vijoynagar and Ziro in 2008 to make it operational for defence and civilian use.
The Vijaoynagar ALG in Changlang district was made operational by Governor J J Singh on November 18, 2011, while work on other ALGs were progressing at a fast pace.
The Pasighat airstrip was operational during the period when the British left India.
Later the Kalinga Airlines owned by former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik followed by Vayudoot operated services from the airstrip.
The services discontinued later except Kalinga Airline's AN-32 and a helicopter served as a lifeline for supplying PDS items and ferrying passengers.
