Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday said that the matter regarding development of Shimla runway at Jubbarhatti would be taken up on priority with the Airport Authority of India. Speaking on the concluding ceremony of two-day long traditional ‘Anokhi Dali’ fair at Jubbarhatti, near Shimla on, he said that State Government had developed Jubberhatti runway at its own resources and later handed it over to the Airport Authority for operation.
The flights on this Airport were not being operated since last one year as the concerned Airline had closed its services whereas Air India and other airlines with bigger aircrafts can not land here as they lack facility of smaller jets. He said that if Airport Authority refused for expanding the airstrip, then State Government would do the needful through its resources.
The Chief Minister said he had laid foundation stone of Katasani cricket stadium near Jubberhatti during his previous term but BJP Government took no interest in constructing the stadium and funds allocated were diverted elsewhere. He urged the local people to come forward in providing land voluntarily so that the Government could develop a multi-purpose sports stadium at Katasani. He said that the ‘Anokhi Dali’ was the traditional fair used to be held at the place where airport presently exists.