Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the resumption of heli services after the monsoon season will facilitate the Chardham Yatra. Especially air services are important for the elderly, disabled and devotees unable to walk. Urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to start night flights from Dehradun Airport and air from Delhi to Pithoragarh. On Friday, Chief Minister Dhami met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and discussed various issues for the development of aviation sector in the state, improvement in air connectivity and giving new impetus to tourism. The Chief Minister informed about the resumption of heli services for Chardham Yatra after the end of monsoon in the state. Special attention will be given to the safety and convenience of the devotees in the operation of heli service. The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that more than 70 percent of the state’s area is forested. Air connectivity in hilly districts is important for tourism, civil traffic and disaster management. The Chief Minister urged to develop Gauchar and Chinyalisaur airstrips for small aircraft operations and connect them with Delhi, Dehradun and Hindon. This will increase the convenience of Chardham Yatra and will also facilitate the supply of essential commodities in the mountainous areas. CM Dhami also discussed the expansion of Pantnagar Airport and said that most of the work has been completed by the state government. He urged to direct the Airports Authority of India to start work soon. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, regular air service from Delhi to Pithoragarh will prove to be strategically important along with tourism in the state. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to give approval to the proposals related to air expansion on priority. The Union Civil Aviation Minister assured the Chief Minister of positive action on all the proposals
