HP to take up upgradation of airports issue with Centre; Minister

Shimla, Oct 22 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government will impress upon the Centre to review its decision on the upgradation of three airports in the state after the Union Ministry for Aviation turned down its expansion plan, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister G S Bali said.

''Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention in the matter. Besides, I will also personally meet Union Aviation Minister Praful Patel by the end of this month to put forth our views on it,'' the Minister told reporters yesterday.

Mr Bali said the upgradation of existing airports in Shimla, at Gaggal in Kangra and Bhuntar in Kullu district of the state, was necessary in view of the geo-economic scenario.

The government has decided to approach the Centre to review its decision on the airports in the state as they fulfill all the pre-requisite parameters for the upgradation, he said.

He said since Himachal haS great tourism potential, the upgradation of the existing airports would give a boost to tourism and related economic activities in the state.

The government has also written to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to reconsider the expansion of airstrips in the state, he said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had said it would expand the airports at Shimla, Gaggal and Bhuntar while announcing the construction of international airports at Una and Mandi districts of the state.

Mr Bali said Defence authorities have permitted the civilian use of its airport at Pathankot to the state government.

The Himachal Pradesh government in collaboration with Punjab, has expanded facilities at the airport to use it for commercial purposes, he added.

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