The Lohit district administration has requested the Indian Army to relocate the Balaliang Field Firing Range (BFFR), citing concerns related to public safety, local livelihoods, and the planned expansion of Tezu Airport.
In a letter addressed to the Commander of the 181 Mountain Brigade, the Deputy Commissioner of Lohit highlighted the challenges faced by communities living near the firing range. According to the administration, residents in the surrounding areas depend heavily on forests and agricultural land for their daily needs, including collecting firewood, grazing livestock, and carrying out other traditional activities.
The administration stated that the continued presence of the firing range has created anxiety and a sense of insecurity among local residents due to the perceived risks associated with military exercises. It emphasized that potential threats to human life and the resulting concerns among villagers require serious attention.
Another major issue raised by the district administration is the impact of the firing range on the proposed expansion of Tezu Airport. The Arunachal Pradesh government has prioritized upgrading the airport to handle larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. However, concerns reportedly raised by the Airports Authority of India regarding the existing location of the firing range have emerged as a significant obstacle to the project.
The Deputy Commissioner urged the Army to consider relocating the facility to a suitable alternative site and assured full cooperation from the district administration. The administration also expressed its willingness to facilitate consultations with local community leaders and landowners to support any relocation process.
Meanwhile, the district administration informed the public that the Army’s 299 Field Regiment and 191 Field Regiment will conduct artillery and infantry firing exercises in designated uninhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh from November 5 to November 15.
As a precautionary measure, residents of nearby villages have been advised to remain within their respective villages and avoid entering or moving around the designated firing zones during the exercise period. Livestock owners have also been asked to ensure that their animals do not stray into the firing range.
The administration further urged Army authorities to maintain close coordination with village leaders and local communities to ensure the safety of residents throughout the firing practice.
The request to relocate the Balaliang Field Firing Range highlights the growing need to balance national security requirements with public safety, local livelihood concerns, and infrastructure development in the region.
