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TMC legislator from Dadenggre, Rupa Marak, expressed skepticism over the operationalization of Baljek Airport at Jengjal by 2026. Located 33 km from Tura in West Garo Hills, the airport has remained non-functional since its inauguration by then-President Pratibha Patil in 2008.
Speaking to the Meghalaya News 24, Marak stated, “If it is made operational, then it’s good for the people of Garo Hills, not only for the people under my constituency. See, the land acquisition process is underway, so I think it will not be possible in 2026. They are just saying that they will make it operational by 2026, but I don’t think it will be operational by 2026 because the process of land acquisition is still going on.”
During the ongoing budget session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the government is committed to ensure expansion of the Umroi Airport and operationalization of 19-20 seater aircrafts from Baljek Airport.
The CM while replying in the house said, “I am sending a strong message that we are committed to (improve air connectivity) by ensuring Umroi Airport expansion (for landing of bigger aircrafts) and flights start operating from the Baljek Airport.”
“Discussion is reaching almost the last level and by 2026 we are hopeful we should be able to operate the aircrafts from the Baljek Airport,”he announced
Reflecting on Baljek Airport’s long-standing non-functionality, the TMC legislator remarked, “The airport, which is under my constituency, the government had already inaugurated the project 17 years back, almost 17 years, but till date, it has not been operationalized. So I, during the budget discussion, demanded that the government should take priority and make it functional because it will connect the Garo Hills people to other parts of the country if it is operational. And since it has been there for almost 17 years, it’s like a shame when a part of the government neglects such big projects. And since it falls under my constituency, this is my responsibility to speak on this special project which will benefit not only the people from Jengjal and Dadenggre but the whole of Garo Hills.”
When questioned about Baljek Airport being known more for hosting festivals rather than flight landings, Marak responded, “No flight has landed, but Me•gong Festival has landed at this airport every year. It is being used for organizing concerts and other festivals. Just to divert the attention of the people, they are organizing such kinds of festivals. It may bring in employment opportunities for the people, but organizing these types of festivals at an airport is something I have not seen in the entire nation. So I oppose that. Rather than organizing festivals and concerts, they should prioritize making it functional for the benefit of the people. People from Jengjal area were barred from setting up shops during the festivals in the airport, so I had to intervene.”