It would boost tourism and be proved an effective medium to carry out relief and rescue operations in the time of emergency: Dhami
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually flagged off the heli service being operated under the Regional connectivity Scheme from Haldwani to Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, Champawat at a programme organised by the Civil Aviation Department at his official residence.
Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for this heli-service and observed that this was awaited a long time. It would not only be capable of connecting remote areas and providing facilities for movement of people, but also prove to be an effective medium for carrying out relief and rescue operations in times of emergency. It would also boost tourism in the related areas and also provide convenience to the people in transportation.
Talking about Jolly Grant Airport, CM Dhami reminded that the new terminal of Jolly Grand Airport is inaugurated a few days ago. Soon on the basis of the pilot project at Jolly Grant Airport, air services are likely to begin also between Dehradun-Amritsar, Dehradun-Pant Nagar, Dehradun-Ayodhya routes. Soon the government would also start heli-services for places like Trijuginarayan, Lansdowne, etc. This would not only boost tourism but also create new employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister reminded that fixed wing aircraft services from Dehradun to Pithoragarh have earlier started on 30 January 2024. With the launch of this service, people in the border areas have got a new and better option to travel. He said that Uttarakhand is a very important state from the religious and tourism point of view and the state government is trying to provide all kind of facilities to the devotees and tourists to travel in the state. Air services would play an important role in this.
Mentioning the Corona pandemic, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami recalled that those who had migrated out of their native places, are now returning to their villages. In this way, it is not only an air service but also a route for reverse migration. This is the path that will repopulate the hills in the state and bring back glory to the villages.
He further said that in addition to upgrading Jolly Grant Airport to international standards, the government is also committed to the developing Pantnagar Airport as an international airport. Along with this, services like Joy Ride Service, Himalayan Darshan, etc., are also proposed to visit the scenic areas of the state by air. The commencement of these services would boost tourism.
Chief Minister claimed that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the life of the common person has become better. During his tenure 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line. He had dreamed that even a person wearing slippers would be able to travel by air in these 10 years, one is already seeing that dream come true. Wherever there is a double engine government, the Prime Minister’s vision is bringing prosperity in the lives of the people and one is witnessing continuous expansion of the “UDAN” scheme which was started by the Prime Minister.
Addressing the programme virtually from Delhi, Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhatt said the air service was started under ‘Ude Desh Ka Har Nagrik’ scheme to promote regional tourism and air connectivity. This service will greatly benefit tourism, education, health services, etc. He also disclosed that the Centre has approved Rs 140 crore for the development of Pithoragarh and Champawat. Whatever plan would be sent, it would be given 100 percent approval.
MLA Bishan Singh Chufal, Additional Secretary, Civil Aviation, C Ravi Shankar were among those present on the ocasion.
