AGARTALA, July 23 (TIWN): Based on the proposal for creation of a separate Northeast Aviation Council to promote Aeronautic engineering education in the region, Ministry of DoNER initiated to study the feasibility of the option, an official of NEC said on Wednesday. A number of private airlines operating in northeast are taking a handsome amount as subsidy from NEC, Ministry of Home Affairs and the state governments, but the aviation industry in the region is in a pitiable state. "Modern aviation can play a huge role in health, tourism and disaster management. Industries are still underdeveloped in the northeast.

Out of 22 airports located in northeast, only 11 are considered fully operational and others like Daporijo, Lastahar, Kamalpur, Khowai, Kailashahar, Pasighat, Rupsi, Teju, Turiyal and Zero airfields are not in use,” the proposal said.

Moreover, northeast does not have any maintenance base for civil aircraft. All state capitals are yet to be air-connected. Without transforming this, the northeast cannot turn into a hotspot for foreign tourists, nor can it attract industrial investment," it argued.

The proposal said the council can be started with 100% direct funding from the DoNER ministry to tide over the initial fund crunch. According to report, under the proposed aviation council, one northeast regional airlines service, northeast air medical support service and industrial support service will have to be started.

The proposal also sought action from DoNER on development of airstrips which were constructed during World War II.