Imphal, October 04: With the objective to enhance connectivity between far flung areas particularly the hills and the plains and to promote tourism, the Union Minister of DONER and Tribal Affairs PR Kyndiah has mooted of launching dedicated small aircraft services in the North Eastern region.

Though no definite decision has been adopted in this regard, the Ministry has already consulted the matter with the aviation authorities.

During a press conference today at Raj Bhavan, Kyndiah said that a technical committee would be set up soon to look in to the feasibility of the proposed project.

Elaborating on the project, he informed that the aircraft would be 19 seater and the runway track would be only 3000 feet long.

However, he said, "I cannot give the exact time to launch the service but once the proposed committee is constituted, it could certainly announce a date to launch the small aircraft service in North East region".

Concerning the upgradation of RIMS, the DONER Minister disclosed that the North East Council has been considering to sanction Rs 129 crores for its infrastructure development.

Speaking of other development programmes in the State, he disclosed that DONER has been considering to release Rs 92 crores for construction of hospitals at Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Jiribam and Tamenglong district headquarters with capacity of 50 beds each and other development works including construction of PHCs.

He also hinted at establishment of power substations at Wilong and Kongba and improvisation of the Yurembam sub-station at the estimated cost of Rs 16.27 crores.

For construction and renovation of bridges, the DONER Ministry has been examining to sanction Rs 42.63 crores in addition to Rs 196.90 crores sanctioned by NEC for development of roads in the State.

Moreover, the Ministry has been looking into possibilities of releasing Rs 21.49 crores for Sports sector besides Rs 21.37 crores for water supply, said PR Kyndiah.

He also disclosed that Rs 41 crores were sanctioned recently by NEC for a project on preservation of Loktak lake.

Speaking of his visit to the three hill district headquarters, the DONER Minis ter observed that the people were desirous of prompt and accelerated implementation of development projects in their respective areas with restoration of peace remaining one of their top priority.

To a question regarding the movement being undertaken by some Naga NGOs for affiliation of schools in four Naga dominated districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education and the subsequent endorsement made by the Nagaland Cabinet, the Union Minister rejected the effort saying that it cannot be applied or implemented at all under any circumstance.

Earlier, he laid foundation stone for construction of dharamsala at RIMS.

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