Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 21
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today laid the Nagaland Civil Aviation Policy 2012 on the floor of the House. The policy published in The Nagaland Gazette, said that Nagaland Government notify the Policy, which was approved by the cabinet on June 22 this year.
In a preamble, it said Nagaland is one of the most forward looking states in India. A large number of foreigners and domestic tourists visit the state throughout the year. Civil aviation is one of the fastest developing sectors in India. The vision envisages upgradation and modernization of the infrastructure at existing airports, developing new airports at important business and tourism hubs and helipads/heliports in remote areas/places of tourists, pilgrimage interest to provide seamless air transportation to all parts of the states for sustainable development of trade and tourism.
It also stated that the envisioned plan also seeks to enhance employment generation through the establishment of schools for training of pilots, stewards, air hostesses, AMEs, technician and other associated staff. To achieve these goals, new civil aviation policy has been evolved, it said. Referring to existing scenario and policy objectives pertaining to airports, it stated that the aviation infrastructure of the state of Nagaland has total 01 airport which is under the Airport Authority of India. In future, the Government is also planning to set up 10 new airstrips/airports in Nagaland.
On helipads/heliports, it stated that today Nagaland has few number of helipads sites. The objectives is to establish more Director General Civil Aviation approved helipads in the state. On freight and cargo facilities, the policy said the air cargo movement has grown nearly by 19% as compared to 10% & 9% of growth in shipping and railways. In context of Nagaland, one of the upcoming states in India in agri, horti and flori, government wishes to encourage private players to utilize the air cargo route in Nagaland and North East.
The policy stated that to provide alternative and sustainable transportation option to local and visiting populace alike, intra-state air connectivity shall be an appropriate solution. In this, the policy said, the government intends to formulate suitable policy framework to promote intra- state air connectivity to connect more locations within Nagaland. Specific steps are proposed to be taken to reduce various add-ons and make Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) available in Nagaland at much affordable prices than other Asia- pacific locations, the policy stated.
On aviation training institutes, it stated that the government has taken opinions from the private players already in aviation training activities and plans to provide necessary assistance for promoting aviation institutes.
The state government intends to adopt the best practices in provisioning land for aviation sector, the land shall be made available to private partner(s) or to the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under PPP mode on ‘right of use’ basis or lease basis, for development of new Greenfield airports or airstrips and other aviation infrastructure.
It also stated that the state government intends to encourage more private participation in this segment to make Nagaland a popular destination for various aero-sports, aero-modeling activities. The Policy would also address to aviation needs in regard to disaster like; flood relief, earthquake, cyclone, landslides and casualty evacuation from remote and inaccessible places.
Stating that tourism and trade sectors are closely linked to civil aviation sector, it stated that it is important that airport infrastructure and air services are planned keeping in view the requirement and promotion of these sectors. It also talked on encouraging private sector participation in building tourist infrastructure near airport like transport services from airport to nearby cities, golf courses, amusement park, business centres, duty free shopping complexes of international class, aviation recreation activities, adventure aviation, hand-gliding, micro-light aircraft, parachuting etc.
