Dimapur, Jan. 18: The Dimapur Airport Advisory Committee has decided to introduce a slew of measures to enhance services and facilities at the airport.
In a recent meeting, the committee discussed the lack of facilities for passengers at the airport. The meeting was necessitated by an increase in flight services with the introduction of ATR aircraft.
The meeting, chaired by the lone Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, C. Apok Jamir, discussed issues like passenger services, transportation problems, hygiene, maintenance of essential services, layout and illumination of the airport.
Sources said the meeting also discussed collection of “parking taxes” by unauthorised persons in the airport premises. Superintendent of police Janardan Singh said the police would immediately crack down on the racket.
Another issue which was given top priority by the MP was the need for a dedicated pre-paid taxi service. The present transport system and absence of a network of accredited vehicles carries security hazards, the meeting observed.
With regard to better facilities for passengers, suggestions like an enquiry booth, electronic display of flight information, bookstalls, proper cooling arrangement for summers and an airport agency were offered by the members. Legislator Kanito suggested that a gate should be constructed at the intersection of the national highway and the airport’s approach road.
P. Joshi, deputy general manager, Airports Authority of India, Dimapur, said a back-up electricity connection was essential and asked for two feeder lines. He also stressed on the need for community participation to enhance the airport’s image in terms of services and passenger facilities. He said the state tourism director had been allotted a place inside the terminus for a tourist information counter.
Hostage crisis
Responding to a diktat issued by the banned Achik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) last night for releasing a senior doctor, the Meghalaya government today said it was steadfast on developing the health sector in Garo hills, reports our Shillong correspondent.
ANVC general secretary Wanding K. Marak said the outfit would extend the deadline for releasing East Garo Hills health and medical officer Prakash Bezbaruah to January 25. The ANVC has demanded that the government upgrade the Williamnagar civil hospital with 100 beds and better facilities at all civil hospitals in Garo hills. The earlier deadline set by the outfit expired on January 15.
Meghalaya chief secretary J. Tayeng told The Telegraph today that the government was not negligent in improving health facilities in Garo hills. “But doing everything overnight is not possible,” he said.
