Shillong, Nov 14 (Reporter) The trial seaplane, manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft, scripted history becoming the first amphibious Aircraft to land at the picturesque Umiam Lake in Meghalaya on Thursday. The seaplane demonstration organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Meghalaya Transport Department was to explore the feasibility of such a mode of transport being used to boost connectivity in the region’s difficult terrain. “Seaplanes have the unique potential to connect hard-to-reach destinations, boost tourism, and uplift local economies across the nation. Today’s demonstration embodies the spirit of cooperation between the Central government and Meghalaya government,” Naidu said. “With Meghalaya’s breathtaking landscape, seaplane connectivity can attract tourists not just from India but from around the world, transforming the state’s tourism sector,” the Civil Aviation Minister said. Voicing confidence in India’s capacity to establish a thriving seaplane industry, Naidu said the Civil Aviation Ministry is actively working to facilitate partnerships with industry leaders and state governments, supporting the growth of seaplane routes through funding and technical support. “India’s long coastline and extensive network of rivers and lakes present a unique opportunity for the development of seaplane operations in the country. The extension of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the RCS to seaplane operations would provide the initial fillip to the Operators,” he added. Naidu appealed to the government of other Northeastern states to come forward and avail the benefits of seaplane operations in their respective states. The Minister further announced plans for collaboration with Indian manufacturers like HAL and Mahindra Aerospace to boost domestic seaplane production. “We aim to make India self-sufficient in seaplane manufacturing, creating jobs and fostering innovation in the aviation sector,” he said. Chief Minister Sangma said such seaplanes require about 200 meters and 5 meters of depth of water-bodies to land and take off. “Meghalaya receives adequate rainfall, which can be used to build several such water-bodies where seaplanes can operate. With the terrain and landscape of Meghalaya this will be conducive as water bodies can be created as we receive adequate rainfall,” Sangma said, adding that it would be cost-effective as it would take an amount of 15 lakh approximately to build a dam for landing rather than building a runway for an Airport...////...