The inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Assam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a crucial development in India's defence and disaster response strategy. This facility is the first of its kind in Northeast India, enhancing rapid deployment capabilities in a region critical for national security due to its proximity to international borders.
This topic is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it connects to various components of the syllabus:
Understanding the ELF's significance aids in grasping India's strategic initiatives in border management, making it crucial for both Prelims and Mains preparation.
The Emergency Landing Facility is a dedicated airstrip designed to accommodate military and select civil aircraft during emergencies. Constructed in partnership with the Indian Air Force, this facility enhances India's operational readiness, allowing for quick responses in critical situations. Its establishment in Northeast India, a region prone to natural disasters, reflects a proactive approach to national security.
In the Prelims, questions may focus on factual aspects such as the location, features, and cost of the ELF. In contrast, Mains questions could explore the implications of such infrastructure on national security, regional development, and emergency preparedness strategies.
The establishment of the ELF demonstrates a cause-effect relationship between infrastructure development and enhanced national security. By providing a rapid response mechanism, it mitigates the impact of natural disasters and strategic contingencies. This facility not only strengthens military preparedness but also bolsters civil logistics, ensuring effective governance in sensitive border areas.
Moving forward, the focus should be on integrating such strategic infrastructures into a broader framework of sustainable development and resilience. Policymakers must ensure that facilities like the ELF contribute to ecosystem balance and are equipped to handle future challenges posed by climate change and geopolitical tensions. Evidence-based policy making will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of such investments in national security.
Q1. What is the purpose of the Emergency Landing Facility in Moran?
Answer: The Emergency Landing Facility enables military and select civil aircraft to land and take off during emergencies, enhancing national security and disaster response capabilities in Northeast India.
Q2. How long is the Emergency Landing Facility in Moran?
Answer: The facility is 4.2 kilometers long and was built at a cost of approximately ₹100 crore, demonstrating significant investment in regional infrastructure.
Q3. Which aircraft can operate from the Moran ELF?
Answer: The ELF can handle fighter jets weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes, showcasing its operational capacity.
Q4. Why is the ELF strategically important for Northeast India?
Answer: The ELF provides an alternative airstrip during emergencies, essential for a region vulnerable to natural disasters and enhances India's civil-military integration.
Q5. How does the ELF contribute to disaster response in Assam?
Answer: The ELF allows for quick deployment of emergency services and rapid air connectivity during floods or other disasters, improving logistical response in the region.
Question 1: What is the primary function of the Emergency Landing Facility in Assam?
A) To enhance tourism
B) For emergency landings of aircraft
C) To serve as a civil airport
D) For commercial flights
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How long is the Emergency Landing Facility at Moran?
A) 3.5 km
B) 4.2 km
C) 5.0 km
D) 6.0 km
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization collaborated in the construction of the ELF in Assam?
A) Indian Navy
B) Indian Air Force
C) Indian Army
D) Civil Aviation Authority
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the cost of constructing the Emergency Landing Facility in Assam?
A) ₹50 crore
B) ₹75 crore
C) ₹100 crore
D) ₹125 crore
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which types of aircraft can operate from the ELF?
A) Only fighter jets
B) Only commercial planes
C) Fighter jets and transport aircraft
D) Helicopters only
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What critical natural events make the ELF significant for Northeast India?
A) Hurricanes
B) Floods and seismic activity
C) Tsunamis
D) Droughts
Correct Answer: B
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