Efforts to start helicopter services in remote JK areas: CM

Jammu, Feb 8 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir government isactively working with the Centre to launch helicopter servicesfor remote and cut-off areas in the state, Chief Minister OmarAbdullah today said.

"We are actively working with the Centre for launch ofhelicopter services for remote mountainous areas of J-K," hesaid at a review meeting of Kishtwar District Board here.

"I have discussed the plan with Union Home Minister PChidambaram during his recent visit to Kishtwar and underlinedthe need for such a service in a hilly state like Jammu andKashmir," he said.

He expressed the hope that the Centre would positivelyrespond to the state''s proposal.

The Chief Minister said most of the hilly areas likeWarwan, Marwah, Dachhan, Paddar, Chatroo, Karnah, Keran, Gurezand Zanskar remained cut off during winters and are accessiblewith great difficulty in summer.

As such, helicopter service for these and other similarareas is needed, he said.

The state government has formulated a comprehensiveproposal for the purpose which would be extensively persuadedfor the Centre''s approval, the Chief Minister told legislatorsfrom Kishtwar district who raised this issue at the meeting.