Dehradun: Indian Air Force will operate Chinyalisaur airstrips in Uttarkashi and Gauchar airstrips in Chamoli. Whereas, Pithoragarh airport will be operated by Airport Authority of India. Apart from this, Uttarakhand government is also going to expand Pithoragarh airport, on which Rs 450 crore will be spent.
Focus on promoting heli connectivity: Actually, the government is giving special emphasis on promoting heli connectivity in Uttarakhand. The main reason for this is that not only there should be ease in relief and rescue operations during any disaster, but heli connectivity can be strengthened in all the strategically important areas of the state.
Why is Chinyalisaur airstrip special: In this connection, the Uttarakhand government has agreed to hand over the operation of airstrips located in Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) and Gauchar (Chamoli) to the Indian Air Force. In fact, in view of the India-China border, the Army and the Air Force have demanded the development of the Chinyalisaur airstrip several times.
Because, the Air Force practices the landing and take-off of its fighter aircraft as well as cargo aircraft every year on this airstrip. Not only this, this airstrip has also been used by the state government, but now the Uttarakhand government has agreed to give the Chinyalisaur airstrip to the Indian Air Force.
Gauchar airstrip is very important: There have been discussions many times regarding the expansion of the Gauchar airstrip located on the Badrinath Highway in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The specialty of this airport is that during the disaster in Kedar Valley in the year 2013, heli services were operated from this airport itself. Also, people were rescued from Kedar Valley.
In such a situation, now the Uttarakhand government has decided to hand over the Gauchar airstrip to the Indian Air Force. The main reason for this is that air services will not only be expanded in a better way in the border districts. Rather, this will fulfill the strategic needs of the local residents as well as others.
Airport Authority of India will operate Pithoragarh Airport: In view of the increasing air services at Pithoragarh’s Naini Saini Airport, the Uttarakhand government has decided to operate it through the Airport Authority of India (AAI). For this, an MoU has also been agreed upon between the state government and the Airport Authority of India.
Efforts to start air service from Gunji to Adi Kailash area: In such a situation, the government is also going to expand the Pithoragarh airport, which will cost about Rs 450 crore. Along with this, preparations are being made to build a 1 km long airstrip here to start air service from Gunji to Adi Kailash area. Technical support will also be given by the Air Force in the construction of this airstrip.
“Expansion of air network is necessary in the border state, this will make it possible to meet the strategic needs along with the local residents. For this, the help of Air Force will also be taken. Pithoragarh Airport will be expanded soon.” – Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand
