Leh, June 22: A K Antony today became the first Defence Minister to land at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) near the Line of Actual Control during his maiden visit to Siachen glacier
 Antony flew in a Mi-17 helicopter from Leh air base to land at Nyoma, at a height of 13,300 feet, which was opened last year on September 18 with the landing of a AN-32 aircraft, Defence Ministry officials said.
 The ALG has been developed to connect the remote areas of Ladakh to the mainland and to continue troop movement during winters when the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall.
 He also reviewed the security situation in the eastern and western sectors of the state and was given a detailed briefing on the security situation on the border by the 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen S K Singh, officials said.
 The minister was also briefed about the aerial operations carried out by the IAF in the sector by Leh airbase commander Air Commodore Anil Tiwari.
 In-charge of air operations in Jammu and Kashmir Air Vice Marshal J Chauhan briefed Antony on the future infrastructure development, such as developing composite airbase at forward areas to enhance infrastructure for air operations, they added.
 Stressing on the improvement in the quality of life of IAF personnel posted at high-altitude areas, Antony also reviewed various welfare measures being implemented by the station's administration for the purpose.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST