Detailed discussions were held on various issues between Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajpati Raju and Chief Minister Harish Rawat at Bijapur Guest House on Thursday.
Raju said that immense possibilities for tourism exist in the State. The proposals would be considered at the earliest which have been sent by the State Government to the Union Government. The Pantnagar airport would be developed as cargo airport. Expansion of Jollygrant and Pantnager airports would be considered positively. He asserted that the Union and State Governments would have to collectively make efforts to develop the civil aviation sector. The State has demanded for night lending facilities for helicopters at hellydrom. A decision would be taken soon in this regard considering the security and other important points.
Raju assured to resolve the pending issues concerning State at the earliest.
CM Rawat stated that meeting with the Central Minister was fruitful. Some proposals in the State's interests have been sent to the Central Government. The Central Minister assured of positive actions in this regard.
The State apprised him about the proposals regarding international status to the Jollygrant airport, expansion of Dehradun and Pantnager airports have been presented before the Central Government. The Char Dham Yatra along with Hemkund Sahib and Mansarovar Yatra is being conducted in the State. Tourists and devotees from all over the world including across the country participate in these holy yatras.
Considering above yatras, air services from Chandigarh and Amritsar to Dehradun to be started as soon as possible. The Pantnagar airport to be developed as cargo hub for export. Air services of Air India from Delhi to Pantnagar to be restored soon which was stopped earlier. Chief Minister informed that Civil Aviation Authority has adequate land for developing the Jollygrant airport in MRO. More parking bays and new terminal building for international flights including other infrastructure facilities can be developed with above proposal. It would increase income of the Airport Authority of India.
CM emphasized to expand the air services for tourism development in the State. The CM asserted that tourism has a significant role in economical activities and generating the employment opportunities for local youths. Air services would be helpful in tourism development in the State. The Civil Aviation Development Authority has been constituted in the State, three airfield and around 60 helipads are being developed under the Authority. Government of India should cooperate in this regard on priority basis.
Rawat said that 24 hours operational facilities to be developed in Jollygrant airport. Dehradun and Pantnagar Airports to be upgraded to CAT-1 and CAT-2 under the Air Navigation Services. IlS facilities to be ensured. Exemption to be granted for 3 VFR fields considering the unavailability of land according to standards in hill areas. Night landing facilities to be developed at airports and helipad near Nepal and Tibbet borders and Central financial aid to be provided in this regard like Chattisgarh State.
For promoting the air connectivity in the State, Aircraft with 9-20 seats to be permitted. The State Government has agreed on the Vat exemption for providing the better facilities at Dehradun and Pantnagar airports.