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Moran, Feb 13: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that the newly established Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran will serve as a crucial asset for national defence and disaster management in Upper Assam.

Upcoming Air Show and Strategic Importance

On February 14, a variety of Indian Air Force aircraft, including Rafale, Tejas, and Sukhoi jets, along with transport planes and helicopters, are scheduled to land at the highway-based airstrip. This event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Chief of the Air Force.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the ELF's significance extends beyond military use, highlighting its humanitarian role during emergencies.

Enhancing Defence Readiness

According to Sarma, the primary purpose of the ELF is to bolster defence preparedness. The capability for advanced fighter jets and transport aircraft to utilize highways for landings greatly improves operational flexibility in crisis situations.

“This infrastructure not only underscores Assam's geographical importance but also its strategic readiness,” he remarked.

Role in Disaster Response

In addition to military applications, the Chief Minister pointed out the ELF's vital function in disaster management, particularly during the frequent floods in Assam.

“Highways are typically situated at higher elevations than surrounding villages. In flood scenarios, helicopters can land here to distribute essential supplies. We have pinpointed five strategic highway locations for helicopter landings during emergencies,” he stated.

Moran Strip as a Relief Hub

The Moran airstrip, located near Khowang and the Mamora Tingkhol constituency, is anticipated to act as a crucial relief center when road access to inundated villages is compromised.

“In disaster situations, this facility will enable the Air Force and disaster response teams to deliver food, medical supplies, and rescue equipment swiftly,” he added.

Encouraging Student Participation

Although there will be no large public gathering during the February 14 event, the Chief Minister urged district officials to allow students from Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and nearby regions to observe the aircraft landings.

“Witnessing fighter jets land may motivate young students to consider serving in the Indian Air Force,” he expressed.

Linking ELF to Road Development

The Chief Minister also connected the ELF to broader road development efforts in Upper Assam. He recalled previous concerns regarding road infrastructure during the Lok Sabha elections and affirmed that commitments to enhance connectivity are being met.

“There were issues with this road earlier. I assured the public that it would be completed. A small section in Demow is currently under construction and will be finished before the elections,” he noted.

Ongoing Development and Future Plans

While acknowledging that development is in progress in certain areas, he described the changes over the years as significant.

“From my early days to now, the roads have seen a complete transformation. In some areas, they are 70% complete, while in others, progress is steady,” Sarma stated.

He also announced that Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit on February 24 to approve Rs 2,000 crore under PMGAY for rural road upgrades, converting several stretches from two-lane to four-lane highways.